• 


ZULULU 


THE  MAID  OF  ANAHUAC 


HANNA   A.  FOSTER 
• 


G.  P.  PUTNAM'S  SONS 

NEW   YORK  LONDON 

«7  West  Twenty  -third  St.  24  Bedford  St..  Strand 


1892 


COPYRIGHT,  1891 

BY 
HANNA   A.    FOSTER 


Electrotyped,  Printed,  and  Bound  by 

tTbe  fmtcfcerbocfeer  press,  Hew  |?orfc 
G.  P.  PUTNAM'S  SONS 


INTRODUCTION. 


*"PHE  masterly  epic  which  celebrates  the  abduc- 
tion of  a  beautiful  woman,  and  the  induction 
of  a  wooden  horse,  is  no  longer  a  series  of  myths. 
Its  essential  verities  have  at  length  been  estab- 
lished in  the  priceless  exhumations  of  the  anti- 
quarian. 

The  sunny  lands  of  the  Americas  teem  with 
buried  evidences  of  a  civilization  which  in  its  at- 
tendant triumphs  of  war  and  peace,  and  in  the 
intensity  of  its  loves  and  hates,  perhaps  no  Homeric 
character  could  excel. 

Many  theories  have  been  evolved  from  the 
speculations  of  the  savant  as  to  the  anthropology 
of  the  successive  American  races  which  have  come 
and  gone.  But  no  Homer  or  Virgil  has  seen  fit  to 
commemorate  their  heroic  deeds  and  the  tender 
passion  of  love  indigenous  to  every  clime  and  race 
and  heart. 

The  author,  while  claiming  no  classic  excellence, 
has  patiently  studied  so  much  of  the  history,  rites, 
and  customs  of  the  Mayas,  Nahuas,  and  Toltecs 
iii 


M191933 


IV 


IN  TROD  UC TION. 


as  is  attainable,  and  selecting  the  golden  era  of 
peaceful  progress  betwixt  the  gruesome  periods 
reddened  with  human  sacrifices,  has  sought  to  sing 
a  tale  of  passion,  tragedy,  and  romance  consistent 
with  the  chronology,  fact,  and  tradition  of  which 
it  is  a  part. 

Ancient  Mexico  and  Xibalba  had  their  Oribos 
and  Zululus,  as  well  as  their  culture  heroes,  with 
whom  the  indulgent  reader  will  become  acquainted. 

H.  A.  F. 


CONTENTS. 


CANTO    I. 


ANAHUAC 


THE  ORACLE 


XlBALBA 


CANTO  II. 


CANTO   III. 


CANTO  IV. 


KASKA  .        ..."•     .'       .        ......      37 


CANTO  V. 


PORTENTS 


43 


CANTO  VI. 


THE  FLIGHT 


53 


CANTO   VII. 


THE  CONFLICT 


VI*  CONTENTS. 

CANTO  VIII. 

PAGE 

IN  QUIZQUO'S  CAVE 64 

CANTO  IX. 
AFTER  THE  BATTLE       .......      69 

CANTO   X. 
THE  FEVER  WEED 75 

CANTO  XI. 
THE  SEARCH          .         .         .         ...        .         .       84 

CANTO  XII. 
THE  TRIAL 91 

CANTO  XIII. 
SOME  CAUSES  WILL  BE  HEARD  AGAIN  ....      97 

CANTO  XIV. 

A  PLEA  FOR  LIFE          .  '•"••.,        .        .        «        •        .     102 

CANTO  XV. 
FULFILMENT 108 

NOTES  .  ...     115 


ZULULU, 
THE  MAID  OF  ANAHUAC. 


CANTO  I. 
ANAHUAC. 

T  N  days  of  eld,  that  yesterday 
*     Lost  from  the  calendar,  away 
Behind  the  centuries  gray  and  grand 
Lay  westerly  the  sunlit  land 
Of  Anahuac,1  whose  mountains  bold, 
White-hooded  chroniclers  grown  old, 
Stood  up  in  heaven's  eternal  calm 
And  challenged  time. 

A  land  of  balm, 

And  bloom,  and  song,  and  murmuring  rills, 
Cool  crystal  lakes,  and  vales,  and  hills 
With  grassy  slopes  where  sunshine  played  ; 
Of  unhewn  forests  ripe  with  shade 
Far  stretching  like  a  sombre  sea, 
Intense  with  depth  and  mystery — 


ZULULU, 

The  haunt  of  life  so  free  and  wild 
That  Nature  wondered  at  her  child. 
A  land  the  very  gods  did  love 
What  time  they  lifted  her  above 
The  fevered  zone  to  healthful  heights, 
And  crowned  her  with  untold  delights.2 

Here,  dwelt  in  olden  pomp  and  power, 
The  gallant  chief  Oxac,3  the  flower 
Of  chieftancy.     With  dauntless  heart, 
Alert,  and  skilled  in  war's  red  art, 
Of  balanced  brain  and  nervy  hand, 
A  man  to  counsel,  lead,  command. 
Though  many  hundred  moons  had  shed 
Their  silver  on  his  princely  head, 
His  stalwart  form  was  all  unbent 
As  when  to  earliest  war  he  went 
A  stripling  brave  ;  his  keen,  black  eye 
Undimmed,  still  read  the  lettered  sky 
And  marked  the  planets  as  they  beat 
Their  azure  rounds  with  shining  feet 
To  score  the  cycles  in  their  flight 
On  mile-stones  of  primeval  night. 

A  double  nature  his  ;  though  mild 
As  zephyr's  breath,  yet  fierce  and  wild 
As  hurricane  that  plucks  the  oak, 
Or  fells  a  forest  by  his  stroke. 
A  man  of  subtile,  sudden  moods, 
Who  forth  to  abstract  solitudes 
Would  oft  compel  his  noble  heart 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC. 

From  human  sympathy  apart, 
Withdraw  within  himself,  content 
With  narrowest  environment 
If  but  the  world  might  be  shut  out, 
The  gods  shut  in  with  thoughts  devout 
And  questioning.     But  when  again 
Came  Oxac  to  the  life  of  men, 
The  world  of  duty,  beauty,  sense, 
Bore  impress  of  omnipotence  ; 
Affairs  of  state,  love's  gentle  call, 
He  noted,  heard,  and  heeded  all. 
His  soul  absorbed  the  warm  delights 
Of  summer  lands,  all  sounds,  all  sights, 
At  glow  of  noon,  or  twilight  dim, 
Were  marvellously  sweet  to  him. 

He  swayed  the  power  of  felt  command, 
Held  justice's  scales  with  steady  hand, 
Marked  with  exactness  each  offence, 
Its  gravity  and  recompense, 
And  dealt  with  prompt  relentless  fate, 
The  awful  penalties  of  state.4 

Of  royal  birth,  with  rightful  claim 

To  rich  inheritance  of  name, 

Ancestral  wealth,  and  power  and  pride, 

Yet  would  he  often  turn  aside 

With  Nature,  when  like  dreams  of  night 

The  shadows  melted  into  light, 

And  new-born  day,  baptized  with  charms, 

Sprang  joyous  from  her  gracious  arms. 


ZULULU, 

At  noontide  hour  he  sought  her,  far 
From  life's  distracting  noise  and  jar, 
For  converse  sweet  ;  and  when  the  gray 
Of  twilight  veiled  the  weary  day, 
Adown  her  evening  avenues 
O'erhung  with  stars  and  paved  with  dews 
Full  oft  he  followed. 

Nature  spells 

Her  laws  by  easy  syllables 
To  those  who  trace  o'er  pages  white 
Her  index  finger  tipped  with  light. 
A  pupil  apt,  he  understood 
Her  whispers  in  the  solemn  wood, 
Her  sighs  among  the  mountain  pines, 
Her  breathings  'mid  the  valley  vines, 
All  paths  her  foot  was  wont  to  press  ; 
He  heard  the  rustle  of  her  dress 
As  through  the  golden  maize  she  sped, 
And  touched  his  lips,  and  bowed  his  head. 

Yet  more  ;  his  will  was  held  in  thrall  ; 
His  soul  was  full  of  worship  ;  all 
Her  mighty  forces  meekly  bent 
Before  the  gods  6  omnipotent 
Who  gave  the  sunshine  and  the  shower, 
And  victory  in  the  doubtful  hour 
Of  conflict,  or  with  vengeance  dire 
Sent  tempest,  pestilence  and  fire, 
With  sore  disaster.     To  appease 
The  rage  of  angry  deities 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC. 

And  hold  their  favor,  Oxac  reared 
Full  many  a  temple,  and  well  steered 
His  craft  of  state  through  calm  and  swell, 
By  faith's  unquestioned  oracle. 

The  valley  held  in  warm  embrace 

A  pretty  lake  with  dimpled  face 

O'er  which  the  rippling  laughter  skipped, 

Where  song-birds  from  her  fresh  lips  sipped 

Love's  liquid  melodies,  which  made 

An  Eden  of  the  sylvan  shade. 

From  hidden  homes  among  the  hills, 
Came  prattling  down  the  merry  rills, 
O'er  shining  sands  and  pebbles  white, 
Fair  wantons,  dancing  with  delight. 

From  distant  northland,  calm  and  strong, 
A  river  rolled  ;  with  bloom  and  song 
The  margin  meadows  sought  to  stay 
The  steadfast  pilgrim  on  his  way  ; 
He  tarried  not  ;  within  his  soul 
Eternal  purpose  held  control, 
While  deep-toned  voices  from  the  sea 
Urged  onward  to  his  destiny. 

Like  some  huge  giant  in  repose, 

His  heaving  breast  o'erspread  with  snows, 

In  slumbers  ominous  and  deep, 

Now  shivering,  talking  in  his  sleep, 


ZULULU, 

Old  Popocatepetl '  lay, 
His  knees  enwrapped  with  green  and  gray 
Thick-woven,  and  his  hoary  head 
High-pillowed  and  cloud-canopied. 

Low  at  his  feet  among  the  flowers, 
Were  villages  with  walls  and  towers, 
And  busy  throngs  who  spun  and  wrought 
Life's  wondrous  web  of  deed  and  thought." 
Ho,  weavers  of  that  long  ago, 
What  word  for  us  ? 

"  'T  is  well  to  know 
As  flies  the  shuttle  to  and  fro 
The  pattern  grows,  and  not  in  vain 
Does  patience  hold  the  tangled  skein, — 
A  break,  a  knot  in  thread  of  gold 
Will  mar  the  web  a  thousand-fold." 

The  royal  city  Iztapec  e 

Rose  in  her  beauty  from  the  wreck 

Of  one  despoiled  ;  more  proud  perchance, 

Because  of  direful  circumstance 

Which  shook  the  olden  city  down, 

But  left  a  name,  and  fair  renown, 

And  broad  foundations,  hers  at  length, 

Her  polished  stepping-stones  to  strength. 

Within  this  city  Oxac  built 
His  palace  home,  o'erlaid  with  gilt 
The  ceilings  of  its  massive  halls, 
And  covered  lustrous  floors  and  walls 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC. 

With  legends  writ  in  picture  words, 
Of  gods  and  heroes,  serpents,  birds, 
And  characters  of  strange  designs 
Described  by  geometric  lines, 
All  chronicled  in  colors  *  sure  ; 
And  every  room  had  garniture 
Of  regal  opulence  and  ease. 

Soft  swung  the  door-way  draperies, 
Their  silvery  fringes  flashing  back 
Bright  glances  on  the  zephyr's  track — 
The  zephyr,  that  in  wanton  mood 
Oft  floated  from  the  odorous  wood 
The  palace  seeking,  and  beguiled 
By  gentle  breathings  of  the  child 
Zululu,10  lingered  while  she  slept, 
Nor  thought  o'er  long  the  watch  he  kept. 

Zululu  was  the  chieftain's  pride, 

His  only  child  ;  he  could  not  hide 

His  heart  from  her  whose  winsome  grace 

Would  chase  the  care-cloud  from  his  face, 

And  light  his  eye — she  could  but  know 

It  was  because  he  loved  her  so. 

Ten  summers  in  her  path  had  strewn 

Their  blossoms,  and  ten  times  had  flown  ; 

A  little  maiden  full  of  glee, 

And  happy  all  the  day  was  she ; 

As  lightsome  as  the  gay  gazelle 

That  bounds  along  his  native  dell 


ZULULU, 

'Neath  Afric  skies,  and  questioning 

All  things  for  joy — and  everything 

Returned  glad  answer  ;  thus  she  grew 

Beloved,  and  beautiful,  and  true  ; 

Her  heart  as  tuneful  and  unstirred 

By  thought  of  ill,  as  May-time  bird 

That  cleaves  the  blue.    When  from  the  chase 

Oxac  returned,  her  glad  young  face 

First  met  him  with  its  greeting  fair, 

The  sunset's  gold  upon  her  hair,11 

And  wealth  of  sparkles  in  her  eyes, 

As  dancing  down  the  galleries 

In  gay  apparel,  on  his  sight 

She  flashed,  a  vision  of  delight. 

Companions  they,  in  fields  and  bowers, 
Together  learned  the  names  of  flowers, 
Their  lovely  natures  and  designs, 
The  while  for  consecrated  shrines 
Zululu  many  a  garland  bound, 
With  reverent  love,  unfearing  crowned 
Her  temple  gods.     But  when  her  hands 
Grew  weary,  and  on  fragrant  bands 
Lay  folded,  Oxac  would  retell 
Some  wonder  story,  woven  well 
Of  legendary  thread  spun  out 
From  years  forgotten,  wound  about 
By  weird  ideals,  but  with  form 
Defying  cataclysmal  storm, 
Which  stood  above  the  misty  sea 
As  traced  upon  eternity. 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  9 

LEGEND    OF    CHOLULA.18 

Far  away  in  the  past,  in  the  beginning, 
Ere  the  light  of  the  sun  had  been  created, 
Lifeless,  and  void,  and  dark  with  desolation, 
A  dreary  waste,  by  boundless  seas  surrounded, 
Lay  this  fair  land,  the  home  of  the  Nahuas.1* 
At  length  arose  the  sun  and  scattered  darkness. 
Then  was  the  land  possessed  by  men  gigantic, 
With  faces  terrible,  and  forms  distorted, 
Who  stalked   abroad   and   looked  with   eyes   au- 
dacious 

Upon  the  sun — his  rising  and  his  setting, 
And  said,  "  Lo,  we  will  seek  him  in  his  chamber"  ; 
Then  some  swift-footed  toward  the  far  west  jour- 
neyed, 

And  others  eastward,  yet  were  all  turned  backward 
By  the  wide  sea.     Then  came  they  to  Cholula 
And  built  a  mighty  tower  with  summit  lifted 
To  touch  the  sky.     "  Now  in  his  unveiled  beauty, 
In  matchless  glory  bathed,  shall  we  behold  him." 
Their  impious  words  heard  the    Great    Heart  of 

Heaven, 

And  to  the  dwellers  of  the  heights  celestial 
Out  spoke  with  mighty  voice  :  "  Come  and  con- 
found them  ! 

Earthborn,  they  build  of  clay  with  hands  polluted, 
A  highway  to  the  heavens.     Amazing  folly  !  " 
Like    lightnings    fierce,    down    swept    the    starry 

legions 
And  smote  the  tower  with  terrible  destruction, 


IO  ZULULU, 

Each  man  in  speech  made  alien  to  his  fellow, 
And  scattered  swift  and  wide  the  wicked  builders, 
Whose  deeds  Cholulan  ruins  scarce  remember, 
Whose  names  Cholulan  ruins  have  forgotten. 

Long  time  intent,  the  dark-eyed  child 

Would  listen,  led  through  mazes  wild 

To  many  a  wonder-land  remote 

From  modern  thought,  her  magic  boat 

Wide  waters  sailing  toward  green  shores, 

Where  dimpled  hands  might  drop  their  oars, 

And  softly  anchor  to  the  past 

An  atom  in  that  misty  vast  ! 

With  foot  untired,  and  vision  clear, 

She  breathed  the  marvellous  atmosphere 

Of  deluged  worlds,  and  races  lost, 

And  paths  primeval  darkly  crossed 

By  fate.     Yet  had  she  greed  of  good. 

She  loved  and  better  understood 

The  story  of  the  god 14  benign, 

Whose  name  and  virtues  all  divine 

So  charmed  her  that  the  pure  and  true 

Into  her  very  being  grew  ; 

While  thoughts  that  knew  no  form  of  speech 

Grew  restless  with  desire  to  reach 

New  altitudes,  where  questions  find 

Plain  answers.     For  each  human  mind 

Instinctive  tries  its  pinioned  wings, 

And  each,  in  touch  with  unseen  things 

Is  neighbor  to  his  fellow  :  Where  ? 

It  matters  not ;  that  vital  air 


THE   MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  II 

Inbreathed  at  birth,  all  life  inspires — 
Through  all  gradations  ;  its  desires, 
Ambitions,  loves,  hates,  hopes,  and  fears, 
To  all  climes  native,  through  all  years 
Immortal. 

Love  did  so  unite 

The  chieftain  and  his  child  !  his  might 
Zululu  crowned  and  glorified 
With  all  a  daughter's  trust  and  pride. 
Her  simple  plays  he  stooped  to  share, 
Her  wishes  were  his  sacred  care  ; 
However  oft,  his  hour  of  rest 
Invading  with  the  fair  request, 
'T  was  Oxac's  pleasure  to  repeat 
The  story  that  she  deemed  so  sweet. 


From  the  far  east — from  Hue-Hue-Tlaplan," 
Came  the  Divine  One,  God  of  the  Nahuas, 
The  Plumed  Serpent,  guardian  of  his  people, 
Who  brought  the  golden  maize  to  Tamoanchan,1T 
In  furrows  long  did  hide  the  seeds  of  plenty, 
And  bid   the  gentle  south   winds   breathe  above 

them, 

The  vernal  showers,  life  giving,  drop  their  fulness, 
Till  woke,  and  rose,  and  in  the  sunshine  ripened 
Abundant  harvests,  making  glad  our  fathers. 
Great  was  their  god,  beneficent  and  gentle. 
With  holy  hands  he  cleansed  their  bloody  altars 


12  ZULULU, 

And  made  them  pure  and  bright  with  fruits  and 

flowers, 

Empurpled  clusters,  eglantines,  magnolias  ; 
From   mountain  pines   their  gums,  and  from  the 

valley 

Vanilla  odoriferous,  and  spices. 
Then  fled  from  Anahuac  war,  want,  and  famine, 
Nor  found  in  all  the  land  a  habitation, 
Because  the  God  of  Peace — the  Plumed  Serpent, 
By  virtuous  precepts,  and  divine  behavior, 
Made  wise  the  people,  in  all  arts  benignant  ; 
Taught  them  to  fill  their  store-rooms  with  abun- 
dance, 

Enlarge  their  villages,  and  build  great  cities  ; 
To  feed  with  unstained  hands  their  sacred  fires 
And  worship  worthily  the  Heart  of  Heaven. 

Above  the  ruins  of  that  impious  tower, 
Hurled  earthward  by  the  mighty  sky  god  mad- 
dened, 

The  brave  Nahuas  in  their  hero's  honor 
Built  this  eternal  temple  of  Cholula, 
Where  we,  proud  children  of  a  race  illustrious, 
His  shrines  enwreathe  with  flowers  of  fond  affec- 
tion, 

And  burn  sweet  incense  on  his  sacred  altars, 
Till  he  shall  come  again  from  far  Tlapala — 
That  unknown  and  mysterious  country,  whither 
In  a  canoe  of  serpent  skins  embarking 
He  sailed  away,  leaving  his  happy  kingdom, 
His  palaces  of  turquoise,  gold,  and  silver, 


THE  MAID  OF  AN  AH  U AC.  13 

His  pyramidal  temple,  and  his  people — 

For  so  the  feverish  draught  of  Tulla18  prompted. 

But  by  and  by  shall  ope  the  gates  of  morning, 

From  distant  northland,  waters  wide  recrossing, 

Shall  come  to  Anahuac  the  Plumed  Serpent, 

The  God-King  of  our  fathers,  the  Nahuas, 

To  claim  his  kingdom  prosperous  and  perpetual. 


CANTO  II. 
THE   ORACLE. 

ONE  night  a  foolish  dream  he  had 
Which  troubled  Oxac  ;  though  he  bade 
The  vision  vanish  at  the  dawn, 
It  shadowed  him — would  not  be  gone. 
The  dream  was  this  : 

Deep  in  the  wood, 
With  spirit  bold,  and  weapon  good, 
He  followed  fearless  and  afar 
Through  darksome  wilds  the  jaguar  ; 
So  near  at  length  his  savage  prize 
He  saw  the  flash  of  deadly  eyes 
From  covert  green  ;  alert,  intent, 
His  trusty  bow  the  huntsman  bent 
With  skillful  hand  ;  but  ere  was  sped 
The  eager  arrow,  o'er  his  head, 
From  lowest  perch  of  scraggy  oak, 
An  evil  bird  with  dismal  croak 
Surprised  him  !  thrice  it  circled  low, 
Then  rose,  and  with  a  voice  of  woe 
Flew  straight  to  Iztapec,  and  through 
The  palace  window,  bloom  and  dew 
14 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  15 

With  black  wing  brushing,  thence  did  wrest 
A  pretty  dove  from  sheltered  nest, 
The  which,  with  hoarse,  defiant  croak, 
He  bore  away. — So  Oxac  woke. 

There  was  a  priestess  weird  and  old, 

Blind,  wizened,  bent,  whose  fingers  cold 

And  cramped  the  oracles  could  trace, 

With  whom  the  gods  talked  face  to  face. 

The  dream — it  haunted  Oxac's  thought, 

And  though  he  said  "  'T  is  naught,  't  is  naught," 

The  resolute  assertion  lent 

No  mollient  to  his  discontent, 

Which  prompted  to  the  sibyl's  art, 

And  deeming  heavier  on  his  heart 

The  burden  of  a  nameless  dread 

Than  direful  dream  interpreted, 

He  rose,  and  from  his  chamber  strode, 

Though  half  in  scorn,  to  her  abode, 

A  grewsome  den  to  night  allied  ; 

With  reckless  hand  he  drew  aside 

The  poison  vines  which  wove  across 

The  door-way  dim  from  sedgy  fosse 

To  bramble  bold,  and  peering  in 

Beheld  her,  and  his  peace  to  win 

Invoked  with  fitting  gifts  the  shrine 

Of  rites  mysterious  and  divine, 

And  prostrate,  but  with  quickened  sense, 

Gave  all  her  wild  words  audience. 

"  Before  my  eyes,  without  disguise, 
O  chief,  the  vision  lies  : 


l6  ZULULU, 

"  War,  waste,  and  woe  ;  a  foe,  a  foe, 
A  kingdom's  overthrow  ! 

"  A  tangled  thread,  the  dead,  the  dead  ! 
A  chieftain  with  bowed  head. 

"  A  knave,  a  knave  !  a,  brave,  a  brave  ! 
Zululu  weds  her  slave  !  " 

Upspringing  from  the  earth,  he  fled 

As  chased  by  doom  ;  his  stricken  head 

By  clammy  palm  upheld  and  pressed, 

His  throbbing  brain  all  wildernessed 

With  tangled  thought.     The  round  old  world 

Before  him  into  chaos  whirled  ; 

The  ground  was  treacherous  to  his  tread, 

The  atmosphere  dispirited 

With  suffocation,  and  the  light 

Scorched  his  wild  eyeballs  into  night. 

His  palace  gained,  he  sought  a  nook 
In  distant  chamber,  and  betook 
Himself  to  battle.     Fierce  the  strife 
Within  his  bosom. 

"  What  were  life 
To  me  and  mine,  if  cruel  fate 
Shall  hurl  us  from  this  proud  estate 
And  rude  barbarians  trample  down 
My  people,  city,  and  renown  ? 
For  this  hath  Oxac  fearless  fought 
His  country's  deadliest  battles — brought 


THE  MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC,  17 

Strange  banners  home,  and  victory  ? 
So  thus  the  gods  reward  him  !  aye, 
For  this  his  child — it  shall  not  be  ! 
A  curse  upon  the  prophecy  !  " 

Rage  is  a  fearful  tonic  !  through 

His  vigorous  frame  the  fury  flew. 

Of  iron  nerve,  he  seemed  to  stand 

Invincible,  with  clenched  hand, 

j£nd  lips  compressed,  and  eyes  aglow 

With  angry  fires  ;  then  to  and  fro 

His  chamber  paced.     Not  more  enraged, 

The  jungle  tiger,  captured,  caged 

By  bars  invisible. 

"  A  fate 

He  scorns,  doth  Oxac  meekly  wait  ? 
Who  stands  ?     Who  ventures  to  fulfil 
Designs  resisted  by  his  will  ?  " 
The  impious  words  were  scarcely  said, 
When  through  an  open  window  sped, 
As  answering  all,  in  echoes  low, 
And  sweet,  and  near,  in  rhythmic  flow, 
The  breath  of  music,  and  the  name 
Of  Oxac  blent  in  proud  acclaim. 

"  Thy  realm  is  broad  and  fair, 

Thy  vassals  sturdy  and  true  ; 
About  thee  is  wrapped  the  odorous  air, 
And  the  skies  above  are  blue. 
We  have  heard  the  fame 
Of  thy  mighty  name 


18  ZULULU, 

In  our  home  by  the  far-away  sea  ; 
Come  we  with  greeting  to  thee — to  thee, 
Great  Oxac." 

Anear  the  window  low  he  bent 
His  ear,  to  catch  the  wonderment. 

"  Thy  heart  is  warm  and  bold, 

Thy  treasures  gather  no  rust  ; 
Thy  temple  shrines  are  garnished  with  gold, 
And  thy  gods  are  wise  and  just  ; 
We  have  heard  the  fame 
Of  thy  mighty  name 

Sung  by  the  shells  of  our  sweet  south  sea. 
Come  we  with  greeting  to  thee — to  thee, 

Great  Oxac." 

The  spellbound  chief  in  attitude 

Now  upright  stands — his  brow  bedewed 

By  sudden  drops — his  maddened  soul, 

As  sprayed  from  God's  baptismal  bowl, 

In  reverent  silence  reconciled, 

Subdued  in  spirit  as  a  child. 

His  evil  mood  had  taken  flight 

And  left  him  in  a  strange  delight, 

His  good  stout  heart,  in  weak  amaze, 

Quite  vanquished  by  the  breath  of  praise. 

"  Thy  hand  is  strong  and  brave, 

It  gathereth  fame  from  far  ; 
Thy  praises  are  echoed  in  coral  cave, 

And  sung  in  the  morning  star. 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  19 

'T  is  a  deathless  song, 

We  have  heard  it  long  ; 
For  it  floateth  o'er  mountain  and  sea  ; 
Bring  we  a  greeting — a  message  to  thee, 

Great  Oxac." 

Within  the  palace  Oxac  brought 
His  courtly  visitors,  and  wrought 
Prompt  hospitality  and  fair, 
With  princely  hand,  and  gracious  air 
To  greatness  native,  and  with  few 
But  fitting  words  of  welcome  true 
To  promptings  of  his  noble  breast, 
Allured  to  banqueting  and  rest. 

In  audience-hall  wide-walled,  ornate, 
On  rich  official  chair  of  state 
Bright-canopied  and  many-staired, 
Next  morn  sat  Oxac.     Thence  repaired 
The  strange  ambassadors,  low  bent, 
In  mien  and  posture  reverent, 
By  choicest  phrase  well  taught  to  bear 
Their  royal  message.     Otherwhere 
Seemed  Oxac's  thought,  and  yet  he  gave 
A  courteous  ear. 

The  architrave 

Of  soul  is  sense — it  must  be  so  ; 
To  see,  to  hear,  is  not  to  know  ; 
The  tongue  may  prattle  many  a  day 
When  soul  is  silent  or  away  ; 
Sense  answers  to  the  fingerings 
Of  triflers  ;  't  is  the  soul  that  sings. 


20  ZULULU, 

The  royal  message  Oxac  heard 

Like  one  who  dreams  ;   each  tone  and  word, 

O'erfull  of  meaning  vague,  or  good 

Or  ill,  not  clearly  understood. 

"  Know  thou,  great  Oxac,  that  our  king — 
Good  Kayi,19 — he  who  beareth  sway 
Throughout  Xibalba,20  found  one  day, 

Enshrined  with  many  a  rare  forgotten  thing, 

An  ancient  record — linking  thee  and  thine 

To  sires  illustrious  of  his  royal  line. 

"  And  ye  are  kinsmen  ;  it  is  well. 

We  come  to  ask  for  Kayi's  son 

A  wife — so  doth  our  business  run, 
Directed  by  Xibalba's  oracle. 
The  gods  inspire  thy  words,  that  we  may  bring 
A  swift  and  gracious  answer  to  our  king." 

Then  followed  silence.     Never  fear 

Twitched  Oxac's  lip,  or  shook  his  knee, 

Yet  his  great  heart  stood  still  to  hear 

The  answer.     "  Time — a  little  time,"  quoth  he, 

"  To  speak  the  destinies  of  lives  and  states. 

Noble  ambassadors,  my  answer  waits." 

In  Oxac's  garden  was  a  spot 

Cool-curtained  from  the  tiresome  day  ; 
Retiring  thither,  sometimes  he  forgot 

The  world  without — Zululu  at  her  play 
Beside  him.     To  this  solitude,  apart 
He  turned  with  measured  steps  and  troubled  heart. 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  21 

Hour  after  hour  alone  with  thought 
He  lingered.     "  Why  doth  Kayi  seek 

Alliance  that  with  flattery  could  be  bought  ? 
And  what  can  claim  of  kinship  else  bespeak  ? 

A  true  nobility  from  self  must  spring  ; 

Linked  to  old  royalty  makes  no  man  king. 

"  Xibalba,  queen  of  tropic  lands — 

My  fathers  sailed  the  summer  seas 
That  flung  their  pearls  into  her  rosy  hands  ; 

A  haughty  beauty  decked  with  brilliancies, 
Yet  strong  she  was,  and  is  ; — wives  are  there  none 
In  all  her  glittering  courts  for  Kayi's  son  ?  " 

"  The  son,  who  to  his  father's  throne 
Will  come  with  rounded  fame  and  age — 

What  then  ?    Zululu  queen  !    O  thought  o'ergrown ! 
I  doubt  me  much,  this  seemly  embassage, 

And  yet — this  doubt  were  better  than  the  bane 

A  foolish  dream  hath  mixed  for  heart  and  brain. 

''Perchance  I  wrong  the  king,  the  state, 
Myself,  my  child,  by  doubts  unkind  ; 

Ungenerous  judgments  dwell  not  with  the  great ; 
Suspicion  speaks  a  littleness  of  mind. 

Why  should  I  meet  with  a  reluctant  frown, 

To  my  sweet  child  the  proffer  of  a  crown  ? 

"  Yet,  O  my  child  !  my  child  !  what  words 

Thy  father  speaks  in  vexed  hours  ! 
Could  I  but  keep  the  with  the  springtime  birds 

Nor  ever  miss  thee  from  thy  native  bowers  ! 


22  ZULULU, 

When  life's  dull  afternoon  grows  shadowy, 
And  chill  lips  from  the  unknown  whisper  me, 

"  How  shall  I  stretch  my  trembling  hands, 

And  strain  my  weary  eyes  in  vain  ! 
O  frenzied  brain  by  flattery's  breezes  fanned  ! 

Cruel,  in  cup  of  gold,  the  draught  of  pain  ! 
A  father's  love  by  glory's  glare  beguiled — 
Away  ambition  !   give  me  back  my  child  ! " 

"  Look,  father  ;  will  it  die  ?  alas 

My  pretty  bird  you  shall  not  die  ! 
Good  Zinco21  found  it  fluttering  in  the  grass 

And  in  his  warm  hands  let  its  feathers  dry — 
But  still  it  will  not  sing — it  will  not  eat !  " 
So  stormed  the  chattering  maid  Oxac's  retreat. 

"  Zululu  :  come  to  me  !  yes — no — 

Ah,  well,  the  bird — what  did  you  ask  ? " 

"Good  Zinco  "—but  the  chieftain  thundered,  "Go! " 
And  spurned  the  trembling  slave  back  to  his  task, 

Then  to  Zululu,  half  impatiently, 

"  See  you  !  the  bird  is  dead — throw  it  away  !  " 

From  that  same  hour  was  Oxac  changed. 
His  daughter — not  from  her  estranged — 
He  held  her  with  a  father's  pride  ; 
But  like  the  ashes  of  his  bride 
Love  casketed,  were  thus  laid  by 
The  tenderness  of  tone  and  eye, 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  2$ 

Endearing  word,  and  warm  caress  ; 
It  was  not  that  he  loved  her  less — 
His  "  gracious  answer  "  had  been  won, 
And  she  was  pledged  to  Kayi's  son. 

To  train  his  heart,  that  it  might  grow 
By  fixed  gradations  to  the  woe 
Of  final  loss,  to  be  most  just 
Toward  one  for  whom  he  held  in  trust 
His  child — no  longer  all  his  own, 
His  life  took  on  a  sterner  tone  ; 
Thus,  when  his  face  a  sadness  wore, 
She  could  not  charm  him  as  before, 
With  pretty  prattle,  wondering  u  why." 
The  light  was  kindly  in  his  eye, 
But  seemed  as  coming  from  afar, 
Unsympathetic  as  a  star 
Whose  silvery  beams  with  promise  rife, 
Shine  on,  but  warm  not  into  life. 

Those  moods  her  arts  could  not  dispel 
Cast  shadows  which  about  her  fell, 
And  followed  to  the  woodsy  shade, 
Where  lone  and  silent  she  would  braid 
Her  autumn  flowers — no  longer  bright ; 
Through  tears  they  seemed  as  touched  with  blight. 
But  when  they  faded,  and  the  days 
Grew  dismal  in  their  dumb  amaze, 
,ululu  was  not  loath  to  cast 

[er  cheerless  sports  into  the  past. 

rhat  seasons  chased  away  her  spring  ! 


24  ZULULU, 

Betrothed,  and  to  a  future  king, 
Was  fitness  needful,  and  a  school 
Of  lengthened  terra  and  rigid  rule. 
What  heavy  counsels  for  her  ear ! 
What  stern  commands,  what  tasks  severe 
For  little  hands  unused  to  aught 
Save  ministries  to  childish  thought ! 
Yet  must  the  pretty  princess  prove 
Worthy  a  royal  husband's  love. 
With  character  well  poised,  and  full 
Of  modest  virtues,  dutiful, 
Low-voiced  and  gentle,  cultured,  kind, 
With  dignity  of  mien  and  mind." 


Her  ringers  must  be  taught  to  wed 
Their  cunning  to  the  silken  thread, 
To  weave  with  patient  toil  and  care, 
In  many  a  bold  device,  and  rare, 
Xibalba's  banner  ;  for  her  lord, 
With  glittering  gems,  and  golden  cord 
His  nuptial  robe. 

But  will  she  spin 

Love's  feathery  thread  ?  and  broider  in 
With  dimpled  fingers,  birds  and  flowers — 
The  dew  and  sunshine  of  glad  hours, 
Bright  hopes  and  rosy  dreams  ?  Perchance  ; 
For  childhood  is  life's  sweet  romance. 

The  seasons  slowly  came  and  went — 
Zululu,  on  her  tasks  intent, 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  2$ 

Gave  little  heed,  but  'neath  the  eyes 

Of  Bacca,"  set  to  supervise 

Her  education,  sped  away 

From  childhood  artless,  free,  and  gay, 

To  graver  realm — to  womanhood, 

While  lightly  on  the  threshold  stood 

Her  guileless  feet. 

Yet  more  she  wrought 
Than  robe  and  banner.     Love  untaught, 
Propelled  the  shuttle  of  her  thought 
Which  through  her  soul  bright-winged  flew, 
Till  fancy's  light  creation  grew 
A  grand  ideal  at  whose  shrine 
A  white  life  knelt  with  gift  divine, 
Her  maiden  love. 

All  virtues  bore 

The  name  of  Kaska."     Unaware 
She  prayed  to  him,  but  One  who  wore 
A  radiant  countenance,  bent  o'er 
The  hills  of  light  and  heard  her  prayer. 
Her  thoughts  sometimes  took  voice,  and  trilled 
A  tuneful  measure,  and  so  filled 
The  hours  with  music,  that  the  day 
Though  wearisome,  soon  stole  away. 

"  Through  and  through,  through  and  through, 

Polished  needle,  thread  of  blue  : — 

Aye,  sweet  bird,  I  hear  thy  song, 

But  my  task  is  long,  so  long  ! 

This  a  royal  robe  must  be — 

Some  one  waits  for  me. 


26  ZULULU. 

"  Through  and  through,  through  and  through, 
Every  color,  every  hue 
Copied  from  the  sunset  skies  ; 
Will  it  glad  his  gracious  eyes, 
That  this  border  is  so  fair, 
Fringed  with  jewels  rare  ? 

"  Through  and  through,  through  and  through, 
Every  loop  and  stitch  so  true  ! 
Will  he  love  me  long  and  well  ? 
How  can  little  maiden  tell  ? 
Words — I  know  not  what  they  mean — 
'  Kaska's  bride  and  queen.' 

"  Through  and  through,  through  and  through, 
Every  hour  some  tinting  new 
Floats  into  the  web  I  weave. 
Shall  Zululu  joy  or  grieve, 
That  she  is  a  little  bride, 
Knowing  naught  beside  ? 

"  Through  and  through,  through  and  through, 
Twist  the  roseate  with  the  blue  ; 
Can  a  little  maiden  rest 
Lovingly  upon  his  breast  ? 
Trustfully  ?  it  must  be  so — 
Aye,  it  must  be  so." 


CANTO  III. 

XIBALBA. 

AT  rest,  two  tropic  seas  between, 
On  flowery  couch  o'erarched  with  sheen, 
Her  language  love,  her  breath  the  breeze 
Perfumed  from  groves  of  spiceries — 
Xibalba  this,  whose  shores  of  green 
Beyond  the  billowy  waste  were  seen 
By  Votan,"  who  one  elder  day 
Came  hither  with  benignant  sway, 
And  long  his  chosen  people  led — 
The  mighty  Mayas. 

Far  outspread 
Usumasinta's  ae  fertile  vale, 
Where  marvels  of  an  oldtime  tale 
Were  born,  matured,  grew  old  and  died, 
Where  rose  the  city  of  his  pride 
Nachan  27  luxurious,  built  to  brave 
The  dust  of  ages  o'er  her  grave 
Slow  sifting. 

From  that  ancient  seat 
Of  culture  curiously  complete, 
Sprang  many  a  Maya  28  branch— from  one 
27 


28  ZULULU, 

W-as  Kayi,29  an  illustrious  son 
Of  sires  whose  royal  lineage  ran 
In  line  unbroken  back  to  Chan.80 
Thus  came  to  Kayi  sovereignty 
Of  fair  Xibalba.     Wise  was  he, 
His  goodly  kingdom  ruling  well 
A  score  of  Katun  31  years,  when  fell 
A  shadow  clouding  heart  and  mind 
With  apprehensions  undefined. 


As  once  he  slept,  strange  whispers  stole 

Quite  through  the  portal  of  the  soul 

And  woke  him  trembling.     Armed  and  starred, 

About  him  stood  his  trusty  guard — 

Yet  scarcely  were  his  fears  dispelled. 

Thenceforth  was  doubly  sentineled 

His  palace  chamber.     Ill  at  ease, 

He  dreamed  of  bold  conspiracies 

By  day  and  night.     Sometimes  in  guise 

Of  stupid  slave,  with  downcast  eyes, 

And  clumsy  tread,  and  shoulders  bent 

With  drudgery  and  discontent, 

He  threaded  crowded  thoroughfares  ; 

Or,  trafficking  his  paltry  wares, 

Long  loitering  in  the  market-place, 

A  trader  garrulous,  the  grace 

Of  barter  bickerings  he  tried — 

And  now  and  then  he  would  deride 

King  Kayi — sometimes  praise,  the  while 

He  marked  the  answering  frown  or  smile. 


THE  MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC.  2Q 

O'erwearied,  Kayi  sought  one  day 

The  grove's  seclusion  ;  as  he  lay 

Cool  pillowed  on  perpetual  green, 

God's  blessed  curtains  drawn  between 

Himself  and  feverish  cares,  he  slept — 

Yet  wakefully — so  constant  kept 

His  ear  its  well  set  watch.     What  feet 

Are  those  approaching  his  retreat — 

Near,  nearer,  and  with  what  intent  ? 

'T  were  well  thick  covert  boughs  low  bent 

Forbade  their  glossy  leaves  to  part. 

Above  the  beating  of  his  heart 

The  wretched  king  his  name  o'erheard 

In  parable,  with  smothered  word, 

And  unfledged  phrases  in  the  dark 

111  born,  hushed  voices  hoarse  and  stark, 

Some  dreadful  purpose  making  known 

By  passion's  murderous  monotone. 

A  quick  discernment  fear  bestows  ; 

King  Kayi  recognized  his  foes, 

Could  call  their  names,  their  leader  learned  ; 

'T  was  he  whose  soul  for  vengeance  burned, 

The  old-time  rebel,  false  Tetan,8a 

Once  chieftain  of  a  powerful  clan 

In  distant  province.     Years  before 

His  neck  he  bent,  but  ever  wore 

The  yoke  defiantly.     He  knew 

Tetan,  and  all,  but  deathly  dew 

By  utter  anguish  quick  distilled, 

His  brow  o'erspread  ;  his  life-blood  chilled, 


30  ZULULU, 

Forgot  its  speed  from  heart  to  brain. 
Alas  the  blow  that  deadens  pain  ! 
That  voice  was  Kaska's  very  own  ! 
His  son  was  plotting  for  the  throne  ! 

King  Kayi  spoke  his  fears  to  none, 
But  carefully  observed  his  son, 
While  day  by  day  confirmed  his  fears. 
Young  Kaska,  grown  beyond  his  years, 
Had  princely  presence,  and  a  face 
Of  manly  beauty,  with  the  grace 
Of  youthful  valor.     In  a  mould 
Unblemished,  dwelt  his  spirit  bold, 
Aggressive,  restless,  desperate 
For  that  wild  draught  supposed  to  sate 
The  thirst  for  glory. 

With  what  bands 

We  seek  to  bind  the  lawless  hands 
Of  mad  ambition  stretched  above 
The  healthful  bounds  of  light  and  love 
To  pluck  the  stars,  a  name  to  win  ! 
The  fierceness  of  the  fire  within — 
Who  lit  it  knows.     The  same  who  moves 
Contented  souls  in  quiet  grooves 
Of  small  desires.     The  strong,  swift  wing 
Of  pride — the  feeble  fluttering 
Of  innate  gentleness,  confuse 
Our  faulty  judgments  ;  but  He  views 
With  equal  eye,  the  eternal  strife 
Of  matter  pulsing  with  a  life 
yncomprehendecj. 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  31 

Late  returned 

Was  Kaska,  from  a  tribe  that  spurned 
Control ;  commissioned  by  the  king 
To  quell  rebellion  and  to  bring 
Victorious  peace — commissioned,  since 
For  service  bold  the  restless  prince 
Was  fitted.     Many  a  field  is  lost 
We  fancied  won — so  great  its  cost  ! 

Himself  a  traitor,  Kaska  chose 
Alliance  with  his  country's  foes  ; 
He  sought  the  ear  of  old  Tetan, 
Well  pleased  to  find  him  with  his  clan 
All  couchant  for  a  deadly  spring 
Into  the  palace  of  the  king  ! 
But  Kaska  counselled  brief  delays, 
And  fed  the  fires  forbade  to  blaze 
Untimely. 

In  the  court  he  knew 
Were  those,  a  despicable  few 
Whom  bribes  could  buy,  and  those  he  bought — 
Yet  inly  scorned  them.     Then  bethought 
How  good  Oribo S3  might  be  won, 
Oribo,  Kayi's  younger  son, 
Whom  all  men  loved  ;  not  Kaska's  peer 
In  lordly  mien,  and  acts  severe, 
But  comely,  straight  and  tall  he  stood 
Like  some  young  cedar  of  the  wood, 
Sure  promise  of  a  giant  good. 
Than  Kaska,  by  twelve  rounded  moons 
The  younger — but  unequal  noons 


32  ZULULU, 

They  neared  ;  one  dazzled — one  was  fair. 
For  Kaska  with  the  very  air 
Of  childhood  strange  delirium  drew  ; 
Two  brothers,  side  by  side  they  grew  ; 
Two  natures,  ever  drawn  apart. 

Staunch  virtues  flourished  in  the  heart 

Of  young  Oribo.     Brave  at  need, 

He  scorned  a  mean  or  cruel  deed  ; 

He  would  not  smite  a  wretch  in  thrall, 

Nor  shoot  a  bird  to  see  it  fall 

With  dripping  breast  and  broken  wing, 

Because  it  was  a  helpless  thing. 

No  greed  had  he  for  power  or  fame  ; 

With  gentle  actions  graced  his  name  ; 

So  true  to  self,  the  gods,  the  state, 

Upright,  symmetrical,  ornate 

Of  character,  without  offence, 

A  very  type  of  excellence. 

It  troubled  Kaska,  how  to  speak 
Base  purposes  to  one  whose  cheek 
No  crimeful  breath  had  ever  kissed  ; 
Whose  clear,  calm  eye,  above  the  mist 
That  clings  to  sordid  lives,  could  scan 
Unshamed  the  face  of  heaven  and  man. 

Beneath  the  palms  one  eventide, 
The  prince  approached  his  brother's  side 
So  quietly,  the  quivering  blooms 
Half  coyly  yielded  their  perfumes. 


THE  MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC.  33 

Oribo,  with  a  pleased  surprise 
Gave  greeting.     Royal  courtesies 
Were  Kaska's  due — his  future  king 
Who  soon  to  his  estate  would  bring 
A  lovely  bride.     Yet  not  a  thought 
Of  envy  with  his  fealty  wrought. 

"  Nay,  gentle  brother,  sit.     From  thee 
I  ask  not  homage  ;  let  me  share 
Thy  quiet  hour,  and  this  sweet  air 

That  comes  with  cooling  from  the  sea. 

"  For  wearied  am  I,  and  my  brain 
Much  heated  by  the  glare  of  day, 
While  heavy  thoughts  my  spirits  weigh." 

"Would  I  might  ease  a  brother's  pain." 

"  Thou  canst,  Oribo.     In  the  chase 
To-day — whate'er  its  meaning  be — 
A  wounded  rabbit  fled  to  me.34 

My  bosom  gave  it  hiding-place. 

"  Would'st  thou  have  sheltered  it  ?  Say  not, 
I  know  thou  wouldst — yet  hear  me  more  : 
A  hunted  buck  which  fled  before 

His  fierce  pursuers,  reached  a  spot 

He  could  not  scale. 

O  then  to  see 

His  desperate  valor  !  what  a  fight 
He  made  for  life  !  say,  was  it  right 

To  plead  his  cause,  and  set  him  free  ? 


34  ZULULU, 

"  Nay,  answer  not — full  well  I  know 
The  language  of  thy  noble  breast  ; 
Thyself  wouldst  plead  for  the  oppressed, 

Nor  yield  him  to  a  deadly  foe. 

"  Aye,  good  Oribo,  thou  would'st  save, 
Spare,  and  set  free  the  hunted  beast, 
Pour  out  thy  pity  for  the  least — 

But  if  a  wounded  warrior  brave, 

Enslaved  with  all  his  gallant  clan, 

And  crushed  to  earth,  and  if  thy  hand " 

"  Say  on,  I  do  not  understand." 

"  Dost  know  the  chieftain,  brave  Tetan  ? 
He  pleads  for  liberty  in  vain  ; 

The  king  is  cruel,  will  not  heed  ; 

The  gods  forsake  us  in  our  need 
If  we  break  not  the  old  man's  chain  ! " 

"  Hold,  Kaska  !    What  ?     Thy  rash  words  scare 
My  senses  hence.     The  king  is  wise — 
Gods  !  there  is  madness  in  thine  eyes  ! 

Thy  thought  is  treason  !     O  beware  !  " 

No  further  parley  Kaska  made  ; 

He  clapped  his  hands,  and  from  the  shade 

Of  tree,  and  shrub,  and  fountain  spray, 

And  wandering  vines  in  evening's  gray 

Clad  spectral,  murderous  minions  sprang 

Upon  Oribo.     Soon  the  clang 

Of  conflict  through  the  city  rang — 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  35 

And  Kaska's  voice  inspired  it  all. 

"  On,  on  !  " — the  palace  ramparts  fall. 

They  leap  the  moat,  they  scale  the  wall, 

Those  wild  red  demons  of  revolt. 

They  burst  the  door  with  beamy  bolt, 

And  surging  in  like  waves  of  doom, 

With  Kayi's  blood  they  flood  his  room, 

Their  weapons,  as  with  frenzy  rife, 

In  savage  greed  hew  out  his  life  ; 

And  none  essayed  to  stay  a  blade, 

So  basely  was  the  king  betrayed, 

And  so  atrociously  was  slain  ! 

'T  is  said  old  ruins  still  retain  '* 

A  crimson  record  of  the  crime  ; 

Deeds  set  in  blood  blush  on  through  time. 

A    DIRGE. 

O  what  a  piteous  thing 

Is  a  dead  king  ! 

Come  gaze  upon  him,  ye  who  yesterday 
Prostrate  approached,  come  near  and  lay 

Your  hands  upon  his  head, 

And  look  into  his  eyes — 
Left  open  when  in  wild  surprise, 
Frighted,  his  great  soul  fled  ! 
For  this  your  king,  Kayi  the  wise, 
Is  dead. 

Sweet  winds,  ye  need  not  now 
So  fan  his  brow — 


36  ZULULU, 

Too  chill  already  is  it  for  a  crown 
Of  earthly  honor  and  renown — 

Too  marred  by  treachery. 

His  good  right  hand  is  cold, 
So  cold  it  can  no  longer  hold 
A  little  sovereignty  ; 
King  Kayi  this,  the  wise,  the  bold — 
'T  is  he. 

How  pallid  is  his  cheek  ! 

He  does  not  speak — 

Too  palsied  is  his  tongue,  to  speak  his  will  ; 
His  pulses  rest,  his  heart  is  still, 

His  dull  eye  nothing  sees — 

It  will  not  wake  nor  weep  ; 
These  ghastly  wounds,  so  red  and  deep, 
Are  painless  all — and  these 
Are  they  that  brought  him  sleep 
And  ease. 


Alas,  how  small  a  space 

Gives  greatness  place  ! 

Muffle  your  voices,  birds  and  purling  streams, 
Withdraw,  O  moon,  your  mellow  beams  ; 

Let  clouds  the  heaven  o'erspread, 

And  flowers  refuse  to  bloom 
For  very  woe,  upon  his  tomb, 
For  whom  we  love  is  dead. 
Ye  gods,  make  swift  the  traitor's  doom 
And  dread. 


CANTO  IV. 
KASKA. 

T  N  purpose,  power.     He  does  who  wills. 
*     So  men  are  gods  ;  so  fate  fulfils 
The  soul's  own  prophecy  ;  so  rise 
Earth  ladders  to  meridian  skies. 
And  builders,  with  but  human  hands, 
Are  toiling  up  from  table-lands        . 
Of  common  good,  to  dizzy  heights 
Where  meteors  flash  uncertain  lights 
On  mortal  names.     Or  high,  or  low, 
Make  sure,  O  builder,  as  you  go 
That  every  round  is  strong  and  true  ! 
Build  well — none  else  can  build  for  you. 

The  logic  of  the  eye  defies 
Deduction  ethical  and  wise, 
That  good  is  beauty,  beauty  good. 
Men  ever  best  have  understood 
Bright  object-lessons — bowed  the  head 
To  beauty — quite  apart,  unwed 
To  worth. 

Young  Kaska  were  a  king 
Though  from  ambition's  poisoned  spring 
37 


38  ZULULU, 

Quaffed  every  power  of  soul  and  brain  ! 
As  foremost  on  the  battle  plain 
With  plumed  crest  and  stout  cuirass  88 
What  legions  fell  to  let  him  pass  ! 
His  black  eye  flashing,  and  his  foot 
As  fleet  as  arrow  bade  to  shoot 
A  bird  on  wing  ;  his  colors  set 
In  web  of  crimson,  gold,  and  jet, 
He  swept  the  land  from  coast  to  coast, 
Xibalba's  terror,  pride,  and  boast. 

Anon  the  bold  revolt  was  o'er, 

And  Kayi's  son  in  triumph  wore 

The  crown  by  treachery  achieved. 

If  any  for  the  old  king  grieved, 

Though  dumb  his  woe,  yet  Kaska's  glance 

Was  keener  than  his  battle  lance 

To  pierce  the  heart !  he  naught  would  brook 

Of  olden  loyalty,  by  look, 

Or  reverent  tone  that  touched  the  name, 

Or  loving  sigh,  or  flush  of  shame 

For  treason's  triumph — naught. 

And  yet 

Whom  love  hath  crowned  is  sovereign.     Let 
The  kingdom  quake,  his  throne  is  sure — 
For  virtue  builds  of  granite  pure 
That  cannot  crumble  !     Love  !     O  what 
Enshrines  like  love  and  wearies  not 
With  ceaseless  vigils  ? 

Kaska  sought 
The  seizure  of  all  loyal  thought, 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  39 

Himself  was  king  in  Kayi's  stead. 

For  good  Oribo,  if  one  said 

"  Alas  !  "  and  dropped  his  eyes,  't  were  best 

Unmarked  by  Kaska  in  whose  breast 

Dwelt  jealous  hate  that  smote  the  lips 

Of  pity,  when  the  red  eclipse 

Which  swept  Xibalba's  sun  from  sight 

Gave  Kaska  day,  Oribo  night. 

A  night  of  servitude  than  death 

More  dread  ;  for  what  avails  the  breath 

That  feeds  not  life,  but  quickens  pain 

And  lengthens  woe  ?     The  scorn,  the  chain, 

The  drudgery  that  day  by  day 

Unnerves  the  man  and  wears  away 

His  spirit,  till  it  beats  no  more 

With  bruised  wing  its  dungeon  door — 

Such  was  the  cruel  fate  decreed 

For  good  Oribo.     None  might  plead 

For  him,  when  maddened  Kaska  cried 

"  Away  !  "  and  spurned  him  from  his  side, 

The  slave  of  old  Tetan,  whose  blade 

Red  dripping,  told  the  price  he  paid  ! 

How  tranquil  is  the  tropic  sky 
When  once  the  tempest  has  gone  by  ! 
What  gentle  breezes  lull  the  deep 
When  sobbing  waves  are  rocked  to  sleep  ! 
So  when  her  civil  storm  was  spent, 
Peace  arched  Xibalba's  firmament 
And  hope  was  in  the  new-wrought  span. 


40  ZULULU, 

The  patriot  lives  in  many  a  man 

Before  his  mighty  soul  is  tried 

By  bribes  and  fears.     From  every  side 

They  thronged  the  new-made  king  about, 

And  "  Long  live  Kaska  !  "  rose  the  shout 

That  spoke  him  great  !     The  hero  takes 

Complexion  from  his  deeds.     Who  makes 

A  record  for  historic  pen 

In  black,  or  white,  must  dip  his  pen. 


The  conflict  o'er,  luxurious  ease 

The  new  king  sought ;  whate'er  could  please 

His  senses,  what  his  pride  could  feed, 

He  summoned  with  a  tyrant's  greed  ; 

Refitted  with  peculiar  care 

His  palace  home  ;  with  carvings  rare,37 

Renewed  each  pier  and  court  fa$ade  ; 

With  rich  mosaics  all  inlaid 

The  spacious  ceilings,  walls,  and  floors  ; 

The  lintels  of  its  twoscore  doors, 

And  double  cornices  embossed — 

And  all  with  master  skill  reglossed  ; 

Festooned  his  many  royal  rooms 

With  arras  from  the  choicest  looms  ; 

With  sweeter  fragrance,  brighter  flowers, 

Voluptuous  made  his  garden  bowers  ; 

Cool  fountains  for  his  pleasure  played — 

To  charm  him,  many  an  iris  made 

From  showering  spray  when  skies  were  blue 

And  sunshine  softly  filtered  through. 


THE  MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC.  4! 

Within,  without,  around,  complete, 
The  city's  pride,  the  acknowledged  seat 
Of  power  supreme,  the  palace  stood 
On  old  foundation  strong  and  good, 
Built  up  by  Maya  skill  and  might, 
A  marvel  on  her  terraced  height 
Of  solid  grandeur,  with  a  throne 
The  young  imperial  called  his  own. 

To  wait  the  coming  of  his  bride 
Sore  vexed  the  king,  yet  must  he  bide 
The  fixed  formalities  of  state, 
Unchallenged  as  the  voice  of  fate. 
Betrothal  bound,  not  his  the  power 
To  change,  or  speed  the  happy  hour 
By  Oxac  named.     His  restless  eye 
Would  chase  that  laggard  from  the  sky, 
The  cold-faced  moon,  whose  silvery  feet 
Paced  off  slow  months  !     O  most  unmeet 
His  hand  to  cull  the  loveliest  flower 
E'er  coveted  for  royal  bower  !          i 

To  somewhat  bate  his  discontent, 
A  courtly  embassy  he  sent 
To  Oxac,  bearing  lavish  praise 
And  costly  gifts,  in  fitting  phrase 
His  sturdy  favor  to  bespeak 
With  Kaska's  greeting,  and  to  seek 
How  fared  Zululu — and  to  free 
Xibalba's  bird  of  prophecy 
Within  her  chamber. 


42  ZULULU, 

With  a  cry 

Of  sudden  terror  should  it  fly 
Away,  the  omen  were  of  ill  ; 
If  haply,  with  melodious  trill 
Should  sing  as  in  its  native  wood, 
'T  were  well — an  augury  of  good. 
Where  lies  in  man  the  boundary  line 
Between  the  human  and  divine, 
Both  having  place  and  unison 
In  form  earth-wrought,  and  breathed  upon 
By  God  ?    Yet  dust  is  only  dust ! 
A  clayey  casket  which  the  rust 
Of  time  eats  through — the  body  is  ; 
And  life  is  life — eternity's 
Co-equal.     Thought  that  spurns  control, — 
Each  aspiration  of  the  soul 
Is  God-ward,  though  its  flight  be  low  : 
And  Kaska,  seeking  long  ago 
To  read  the  book  which  God  had  sealed, 
To  comprehend  the  unrevealed, 
To  grasp  what  hung  beyond  his  reach, 
To  learn  what  angels  might  not  teach 
Of  love's  to-morrow,  stretched  his  hands 
Through  oracles  of  olden  lands 
Toward  one  Omnipotent  !     Thus  hies 
All  soul-life  toward  its  native  skies  ! 
Whatever  form  its  faith  may  wear, 
Through  rudest  rites  or  worship  fair 
The  spirit  feeling  after  God 
Shall  find  Him. 


CANTO  V. 

PORTENTS. 

land  of  Oxac  was  at  rest  ; 
The  bow  of  peace  from  crest  to  crest 
Of  guardian  mountains  stretched  across. 
The  summer,  that  with  green,  and  gloss, 
And  shower  and  sunshine  banished  doubt, 
Now  bade  the  ripening  maize  fling  out 
His  silky  tresses,  bade  the  vine 
Fill  all  his  cluster  cups  with  wine 
So  pure  and  sweet  an  angel's  lip 
Might  press  their  purple  rims  and  sip. 

The  chieftain  saw  with  honest  pride 
How  thrived  his  realm.     On  every  side 
Brown  hands  were  building  strong  and  straight 
In  peace,  the  bulwarks  of  the  state. 
Old  science,  freed  from  civic  jars, 
Explored  the  skies,  and  read  the  stars — 
Art  hastening  with  his  axe  and  block 
To  fix  the  record  into  rock. 
Reaped  industries  an  hundred-fold  ; 
They  opened  hill-side  doors  for  gold, 
43 


44  ZULULU, 

And  wrought  in  woods  and  metals  pure 
A  curious  nomenclature. 


The  husbandman  from  varied  fields 
Full  harvests  gathered  ;  luscious  yields 
Of  orchard  fruitage  plucked,  and  brown 
Abundance  from  the  groves  shook  down. 
Broad  commerce  held  imperial  place  ; 
Old  scars  were  on  his  lifted  face 
But  healthful  currents  from  his  heart 
Made  vital  every  village  mart.38 


The  warrior  brave,  to  join  the  chase 
Had  noble  leisure  ;  in  the  face 
Of  beauty  gazing,  might  forget 
His  hideous  war-cry  and  reset 
His  tongue  to  tenderness,  and  prove 
How  valorous  natures  yield  to  love. 
Yet  were  his  battle-axe  and  bow 
At  hand,  and  fit ;  no  stealthy  foe 
Should  find  unmanned  his  dusky  arm, 
His  ear  untuned  to  wars  alarm. 


So  like  an  eagle  bathed  in  light, 
Clear  visioned  gazing  from  far  height, 
His  strong  wing  folded  ;  though  at  rest, 
Brave  guardian  of  his  high-hung  nest 
Dwelt  Oxac,  and  his  borders  kept 
With  vigilance  which  never  slept. 


THE  MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC.  45 

Like  maddened  wolves  athirst  for  blood, 
Impelled  by  famine,  frost,  and  flood 
From  northern  regions  to  a  zone 
Of  warmth  and  beauty  erst  unknown, 
A-near  in  threatening  tides,  down  poured 
The  hungry,  devastating  horde. 
As  old-time  sea-kings  roamed  the  main, 
So  they  the  forest,  vale,  and  plain, 
With  sweep  as  terrible,  for  they 
Were  near  of  kin  ere  seas  made  way 
Between  the  continents  for  doubt 
And  washed  their  former  footprints  out. 

They  ranged  the  land  from  sea  to  sea, 
The  north  wind  not  more  wild  and  free  ; 
In  woods  primeval  sometimes  lost, 
Their  pathless  wanderings  led  or  crossed 
By  angry  streams,  whose  liquid  dark, 
Swift  dimpled  by  the  birchen  bark, 
Delayed  them  not  ;  a  stealthy  foe 
Whose  savage  whoop  and  camp-fire's  glow 
Knew  all  the  wooded  wilderness, 
Yet  knowing,  many  a  dark  recess 
Of  thickest  green  she  wove  for  them 
From  clambering  vine,  and  stalwart  stem, 
And  low-set  shrub— from  whence  the  flash 
Of  glittering  eyes,  the  yell,  the  crash 
Of  cruel  weapon,  oft  bespoke 
Some  hapless  hunter's  fate,  and  woke 
With  orgies  dread  the  slumberous  night.89 
Ferocious  in  their  untamed  might, 


46  ZULULU, 

Long  tutored  to  a  strange  unrest, 

They  went  and  came,  annoyed  and  pressed 

The  frontiers  of  Oxac's  domains. 

Once  and  again  the  lowland  plains 
Had  drunk  of  savage  blood,  and  fed 
The  fierce-fanged  ocelot  with  their  dead. 
In  sanguine  struggle  oft  renewed 
Though  beaten  back — still  unsubdued. 
The  warrior  chief  of  Iztapec 
But  held  his  ugly  foe  in  check  ! 

The  air  was  full  of  nameless  fears  ; 
Drew  on  the  "  binding  of  the  years," 
The  cycle's  close.     What  dreams  of  blood, 
Disaster,  pestilence  and  flood, 
Eclipse  and  earthquake,  near  and  dread, 
Great  Oxac's  soul  disquieted  ! 

One  evening  on  his  couch  he  lay,          -. 
Not  restfully — the  cares  of  day 
Projected  shadows  on  his  hour 
Of  quietude  ;  some  troublous  power 
Had  stirred  his  spirit's  customed  calm. 
In  vain  the  eve  with  hush  and  balm 
Low  breathed  her  benediction  fair 
O'er  troubled  brow  and  silvery  hair. 

Fatigued,  disheartened,  and  perplexed 
By  problems  intricate,  and  vexed 
By  border  bands  who  dared — but  fled 
His  vengeance  long  provoked,  he  led 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  47 

His  ready  braves  in  troubled  thought, 
And  fought,  yet  all  unconquering,  fought. 

Then  too — and  though  he  closed  his  eyes 
And  sought  to  deem  them  phantasies, 
Yet  had  he  marked  a  bodeful  thing — 
The  battle  birds  were  gathering 40  ; 
All  day,  in  mid-air  poised — at  eve 
Their  sable  wings  did  southward  cleave 
The  gloaming  !  plenteous,  warm,  and  red, 
Their  dreadful  banquet  shall  be  spread  ! 
Unwonted  tremors  mocked  his  might, 
And  Oxac  sickened  at  the  sight. 

But  more  :  Xibalba's  messengers 

Had  come  and  gone  :  through  silver  firs, 

Down  pleasant  slopes  by  windings  fair, 

Came  back  on  evening's  quiet  air 

The  echoes  of  outgoing  feet. 

But  Oxac's  fancies  were  more  fleet, 

More  prompt  at  Kaska's  court  than  they 

With  doubtful  tidings,  for  no  lay 

Of  nuptial  bliss  their  strange  bird  sang, 

But  shrieked  until  the  chamber  rang 

With  terror,  and  Zululu  fled 

To  Oxac's  arms — her  shining  head 

Half  hidden  on  his  breast,  while  tears 

Bedewed  the  hopes  of  coming  years  ! 

Wore  on  the  night,  yet  came  not  sleep 
To  Oxac.     Through  the  starry  deep 


48  ZULULU, 

Looked  down  the  gods  with  eyes  malign, 
Perchance  for  some  neglected  shrine  ! 
O'er  Luna  in  her  fleecy  dress 
Forth  on  her  round  of  nothingness 
In  space,  the  wild  winds  flung  a  cloud 
Surcharged  with  tempest,  near  and  loud. 
Stood  up  against  the  piney  hills 
The  solemn  temple  ;  awful  wills 
Wrought  in  the  elements,  the  breeze 
Quick  maddened,  shook  the  towers  and  trees 
Until  they  trembled  for  their  hold 
On  granite  base  and  hill-side  mould. 
Down  swirled  the  storm  king  in  his  ire, 
With  tones  of  wrath,  and  breath  of  fire, 
And  hand  swift  sowing  rain  and  hail, 
While  black  wings  brooded  all  the  vale. 

But  Oxac  heeded  not  ;  by  thought 
Tempestuous  was  his  mind  distraught. 
A  half-forgotten  dream  awoke — 
The  oracle  which  ill  bespoke 
Zululu's  fortune  and  his  own 
Again  he  heard  !  again  was  thrown 
Athwart  his  soul  the  dark  distrust, 
Defiance  of  the  gods  unjust  ! 
He  cursed  the  oracle  of  old, 
Xibalba's  bird,  with  wings  of  gold 
And  throat  of  venom. 

With  the  dawn 

He  slumbered.     All  the  storm  was  gone 
When  late  he  wakened.     Some  intent 


THE  MAID    OF  ANAHUAC.  49 

Had  shaped  into  a  deed.     Forth  sent 
The  chieftain  for  Zululu.     What 
His  undeveloped  purpose,  not 
A  sign  betrayed  ;  his  look  was  cold 
And  resolute,  his  step  was  bold, 
As  to  and  fro  he  paced  his  hall, 
Now  listening  for  the  gentle  fall 
Of  gentle  feet  somewhat  delayed, 
Perchance  to  bind  a  glossy  braid 
About  her  brow,  or  to  express 
By  nice  adjustment  of  her  dress 
Her  nature's  sweeter  harmonies  ; 
Perchance — but  possibilities 
Take  wing,  as  on  his  ears — 

"  O  chief, 

The  gods  this  mystery  make  brief  ; 
Zululu's  room  is  empty,  still — 
Her  presence  answers  not  thy  will  !  " 
So  spake  the  messenger  aghast 
With  terror. 

Fingers  chill  clutched  fast 
The  heart  of  Oxac,  and  he  stood 
Like  one  bewildered  in  a  wood, 
Scarce  knowing  that  himself  were  he  ; 
Yet  soon  awoke  the  energy 
Of  conscious  strength,  which  scorned  to  yield 
One  foot  of  any  battle-field. 
The  guards  their  wonted  posts  had  held, 
The  city  well  was  sentinelled, 
Nor  gate,  nor  street,  nor  corridor 
Unkept  amid  the  crash  and  war 


50  ZULULU, 

That  filled  the  air  with  deafening  sound, 
And  shook  the  palace,  drenched  the  ground, 
Poured  torrents  down  the  mountain  path 
And  smote  the  temple  in  their  wrath. 
And  yet  were  demons  of  the  night 
In  league  with  the  mysterious  flight 
Of  fair  Zululu  and  her  maid  ! 


The  fragrant  breath  of  morning  swayed 

The  drapery  of  her  chamber  charmed 

By  soft  confusion,  and  alarmed 

By  feet  unwonted  ;  on  the  floor 

The  pretty  veil  Zululu  wore 

When  summoned  by  the  chief  to  meet 

The  embassy  ;  a  garland  sweet, 

But  slowly  fading,  grieved  away 

Its  little  life,  and  near  it  lay 

A  coronal  of  pearls,  the  gift 

Of  Kaska  ;  on  her  couch  a  drift 

Of  gorgeous  stuffs,  in  gold  and  green, 

And  crimson,  and  in  azure  sheen 

Her  light  apparel  for  the  days 

Delicious,  when  the  sunshine  plays 

With  dewy  sweetness. 

O  to  come 

Within  a  room  where  nought  is  dumb, 
And  everything  says  "  Gone  !  "     Aye,  more, 
Says  "  Gone — we  know  not  whence  !  "  The  lore 
Of  anguish  this,  the  choke-damp  air 
Of  desolation  and  despair  ! 


THE  MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC.  51 

There  are  who  live,  not  knowing  why, 
Or  how,  save  that  they  cannot  die  ! 
There  are,  who  suffer  grief  and  loss — 
Great  souls,  whom  tempests  beat  and  toss 
But  cannot  sink  ;  who  ply  the  oar, 
Their  compass  keep,  and  make  the  shore  ! 
And  such  seemed  Oxac. 

Who  endures 

With  courage  what  ke  must,  half  cures 
His  pain,  grows  strong,  and  speeds  his  night 
By  counting  stars  that  give  him  light. 

Within  the  palace  and  without 
Each  nook  was  searched,  in  and  about 
Guards  stationed.     Through  the  city  sped 
The  tidings  swift,  because  so  dread. 
All  day  the  fruitless  search  was  pressed, 
The  sacred  shrines  anew  were  dressed, 
And  Oxac,  humbled  to  the  dust, 
Implored  the  gods  he  deemed  unjust. 

What  flashed  the  fancy  on  his  brain 

That  checked  his  prayer  ?   His  bosom's  pain, 

In  momentary  frenzy  died  ! 

He  called  a  chosen  few,  and  cried  : 

"  Pursue  Xibalba's  embassy  ! 

Bring  back  my  stolen  child  to  me  !  " 

» 

No  sooner  heard  their  chief's  command, 
Than  sprang  to  arms  the  honored  band — 


52  ZULULU. 

Enthusiasts,  by  the  gods  endowed 
With  fateful  zeal,  the  prompt  and  proud 
Avengers  of  great  Oxac's  wrong  ! 
Amid  the  cheering  of  the  throng 
At  set  of  sun  they  marched  away, 
Soon  lost  to  sight  in  evening's  gray. 


CANTO  VI. 
THE  FLIGHT. 

OOD  Bacca,  courage  ;  like  a  reed 

Thou  quakest  !  wherefore  ?  for  our  need 
The  blue-eyed  lightnings — how  they  play 
Along  our  path  !  A  curious  way — 
I  stumbled  on  it  when  a  child, 
Its  very  mystery  beguiled 
Me  hither.     Softly  !  we  are  near 
The  low,  dark  entrance — do  not  fear 
But  follow." 

'Twas  a  granite  hall, 
Low-roofed  and  tortuous,  floor  and  wall 
The  gods  well  laid,  what  time  was  hewn 
The  sacred  chamber  dim  with  rune 
To  which  it  led. 

"  Hold  fast  my  hand 
Good  Bacca,"  with  the  sweet  command 
Zululu  drew  her  on.     Low  bent, 
On,  through,  and  up  the  wild  ascent 
They  groped  their  way  into  a  night 
Unmooned  and  starless  !     Left  and  right 
The  passage  broadened  more  and  more, 
53 


54  ZULULU, 

The  ceiling  lifted  from  the  floor, 
Until  they  stood  within  a  room 
Capacious,  hung  with  heavy  gloom 
And  full  of  silence.     Whispered  low, 
Zululu  : 

"  Bacca,  well  I  know 
The  god  is  here — I  feel  his  breath 
Upon  my  cheek  !  't  is  chill  as  death 
Had  touched  his  lips  : — yet  fear  I  not ; 
To  this  secure  but  awesome  spot 
He  well  hath  brought  us — well  will  keep — 
And  he  will  give  us  rest  and  sleep." 


Small  service  Bacca's  to  compose 

Their  scarlet  cushions  for  repose, 

To  shake  the  royal  mantle  out 

And  wrap  the  pretty  form  about 

And  whisper  "  Peace  " — the  good-night  word 

Zululu's  ear  had  ever  heard 

Ere  sleeping  ;  but  as  ne'er  before 

She  caught  the  meaning  which  it  bore — 

A  trustful  calm — a  full  release 

From  wakeful  woe — "  Peace,  Bacca,  peace, 

And  restful  slumbers." 

Wearied  they — 

So  long  and  rough  had  been  their  way, 
With  needful  stores  so  laden  ;  rest 
Came  soon  and  sweet,  beyond  the  quest 
Of  swift  pursuit  ;  for  none  would  brave 
A  near  approach  to  Quizquo's 41  cave  ! 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  55 

Far  up  the  mountain's  wooded  side 
There  yawned  a  chasm  deep  and  wide — 
Weird  antechamber  of  his  hall ; 
One  only  doorway,  dim  and  small, 
The  dreadful  god  had  left  ajar/8 
Nor  had  it  need  of  guard  or  bar 
To  halt  unhallowed  feet — he  sent 
So  prompt  and  fierce  a  punishment. 

About  this  cave  with  terrors  fraught, 

Old  half  forgotten  legends  wrought 

With  dim  complexities  of  sense 

Enduring  ramparts  of  defence  ; 

What  hunters  over-venturesome 

Who  never  from  the  chase  had  come  ! 

What  chastisement  for  folly,  borne  ! 

What  fleeing  shrivelled  souls  forsworn 

Celestial  good  !  rash  souls  who  tried 

To  push  th'  eternal  doors  aside, 

To  seek  with  avaricious  eyes 

The  stores  within  his  treasuries  ! 

Clouds,  smoke,  and  earthquake  scared  the  land 

When  Quizquo  lit  his  awful  brand 

From  Popocatepetl's  fires, 

And  smote  unnumbered  bloody  pyres. 

Yet  never  had  Zululu  feared 
The  mountain  god  her  faith  revered, 
The  being  whom  her  guileless  sense 
Had  clothed  with  fair  omnipotence. 
A  god  all  virtuous  and  wise 


$6  ZULULU, 

She  saw  him — never  in  disguise 

So  ugly  as  to  fright  away, 

In  visions  or  by  night  or  day 

Her  sweetest  thoughts  of  love  and  might. 

She  oft  had  listened  with  delight 

The  low-voiced  winds  and  rippling  streams, 

His  lullabies  to  charm  her  dreams, 

And  guide  her  through  the  mazy  round 

Of  pilgrimage  to  holy  ground. 

She  had  a  quiet,  reverent  trust 
In  Quizquo — she  believed  him  just, 
And  therefore  good  ;  instinctive  took 
Her  gracious  creed  from  Nature's  book. 
She  knew  that  tiniest  blossoms  grew 
Anear  the  chasm,  all  gemmed  with  dew, 
And  by  divine  afflation  fed, 
So  strangely  fair  and  perfected  ! 
And  she  had  seen  the  song-bird  swing 
The  feathery  brake,  and  dip  his  wing 
In  brimming  basins  cool  and  brown 
Where  danced  perpetual  waters  down 
From  hidden  fountain  ;  she  had  heard 
Soft  harmonies  as  zephyrs  stirred 
.Boughs  amaranthine,  to  imbreathe 
The  shadowy  silences  beneath. 

"  He  loves  the  birds,  and  flowers,  and  trees, 

With  all  their  fine  affinities 

For  human  souls — it  must  be  true 

He  loves  their  friend  Zululu  too." 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.   '  57 

So  when  the  bird  with  evil  strain 
Had  burned  into  her  throbbing  brain 
And  smitten  soul  its  withering 
Of  spring-time  hopes,  while  that  dull  thing 
The  world  calls  "  life  "  stretched  on  and  on,' 
She  knew  not  whither — lost  in  wan 
To-morrows,  shivering  had  she  flown 
The  scene,  and  in  her  room  alone 
With  Bacca,  sought  to  burst  the  bands 
Of  anguish  ;  wrung  her  helpless  hands 
In  reckless  woe,  and  murmuring  wept 
Till  slowly  to  his  setting  crept 
The  hazy  sun. 

Then  like  a  flower 

Grown  strong  'neath  heaven's  baptismal  shower 
She  dried  her  tears,  stood  up  and  said  : 
"  'T  is  well — Zululu  will  not  wed 
Xibalba's  king.     Nay,  do  not  chide — 
No  longer  is  this  Kaska's  bride, 
But  Oxac's  daughter  !     Mark  her  well 
Good  Bacca  ;  in  her  breast  doth  dwell 
His  stalwart  soul  ;  her  pulses  thrill 
Obedient  to  a  master  will — 
Her  grand  inheritance.     The  past 
How  bright  !     The  future  overcast 
With  clouds,  the  present  full  of  pain, 
Regrets,  and  longings,  drenched  with  vain 
And  senseless  tears  which  were  beguiled 
By  sudden  woe  !  a  chieftain's  child, 
I  scorn  them,  and  these  southern  gems  ! 
What  were  a  thousand  diadems 


58  ZULULU. 

Paled  with  disaster,  to  a  brow 
Disquieted  ? 

The  gods  endow 

True  lives  with  suffering  to  invite 
The  soul  to  tempt  a  skyward  flight 
With  strong,  swift  wing,  though  in  the  dark. 
See  !  shadows  beckon,  lightnings  mark 
Our  pathway  ;  let  us  flee  and  hide, 
Till  Kaska  shall  forget  his  bride  ! 
Up,  up  the  mountain's  rugged  side 
Is  Quizquo's  cave — nay — start  not  thus  ! 
A  god  so  great  will  care  for  us, 
Since  pitiful  he  is  and  good 
To  all  the  weaklings  of  the  wood." 

'T  was  thus  Zululu  won  her  maid 

To  service  perilous,  and  stayed 

Her  fluttering  heart,  and  sped  the  task 

Of  preparation.     'Neath  the  mask 

Of  friendly  darkness,  in  disguise 

They  passed  adown  the  galleries, 

Like  shapeless  shadows,  out,  and  through 

The  massive  walls  ! 

Zululu  knew 

Where  lay — his  gray  head  in  the  dust — 
A  stone  that  late  had  fled  his  trust 
And  left  an  opening  near  the  ground  ; 
With  careful  stilly  search  she  found 
The  portal  which  no  sentry  kept, 
And  through  it  unperceived  they  crept. 


CANTO  VII. 
THE  CONFLICT. 

passed — how  long  and  desolate 
To  Oxac,  o'er  his  daughter's  fate 
Perturbed  and  tortured  'neath  the  dense, 
Chill,  heavy  clouds  of  dumb  suspense  ! 

Days  passed — how  long  and  dull  they  seemed 

To  Kaska  !  days  all  unredeemed 

By  worthy  purpose  ;  incomplete 

Because  by  noble  deeds  and  sweet 

Unrounded.     'T  is  no  idle  thing — 

The  moment  that  with  golden  wing 

Flies  backward  to  eternity 

Full  freighted,  thoughtless  soul,  by  thee  ! 

Day  after  day  with  love's  surmise 
Went  Kaska  forth,  his  eager  eyes 
Far  sweeping  the  horizon's  rim 
From  early  dawn,  till  twilight  dim, 
To  catch  some  sign  for  eye  or  ear 
Bespeaking  the  approach  and  near 
Of  long-expected  embassy — 
E'er  yet  they  came. 

59 


60  ZULULU, 

What  though  their  way 
Lagoons  debarred  and  streams  unspanned, 
Dark  wooded  hills  and  seas  of  sand  ? 
Though  rough  and  perilous  and  long 
The  route  from  thymy  groves  of  song 
To  loveliest  vale  of  Anahuac  ? 
To  Kaska,  trifling  as  the  rack 
Of  summer  skies  a  breath  might  chase, 
Obstructions  seemed — they  found  no  place 
With  him. 

At  length  their  coming  tread 
He  heard  and  more.     Old  courtiers  bred, 
With  tongue  persuasive  trained  to  reach 
By  dainty  idioms  of  speech 
Unwelcome  truths,  led  through  the  maze 
Of  foreign  favor,  gifts,  and  praise, 
Till  Kaska  warned  the  dallying  tongue  ! 
With  eagerness  he  caught,  but  flung 
Aside  the  tidings  ere  half  told, 
Discerned  the  doubt  'neath  tissued  fold  ! — 
"  The  beautiful  Zululu  led 
From  sweet  seclusion,  with  her  head 
Low  bent,  and  cheeks  aflame,  to  see 
And  hear  the  bird  of  prophecy  ! 
Its  brilliant  plumage  charmed  her  eye, 
But  when,  with  strange  terrific  cry 
It  fled  her  gentle  hand  in  fright, 
She  wept  and  stole  away  !  " 

A  light 

Unheralded  his  dark  eye  flashed, 
And  blood  impatient  hotly  dashed 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  6 1 

His  cheek,  the  while  he  smiled  in  scorn — 
An  ominous  smile  of  passion  born, 
And  charged  with  wrath  ! 

"  Ha  !  go,"  he  said, 
His  proud  lips  tremulous,  "  go  shred 
Your  pretty  story  in  the  ears 
Of  slaves  ! — my  promised  bride  in  tears  ! 
My  palace  brooded  by  the  bird 
Of  destiny  !  yet  know — a  word 
Of  this, — a  sign,  a  look,  a  breath — 
Is  certain  ignominious  death  !  " 

His  lords  withdrawn,  the  king  conferred 
With  power  and  pride  ;  to  kill  the  bird, 
Defy  the  omen,  and  possess 
His  bride  they  counselled  him,  nor  less 
His  will  approved.     Should  he,  a  king 
Whose  sceptre  was  no  trifling  thing, 
Yield  his  prerogative  to  fate 
Like  men  uncrowned,  dispassionate, 
Who,  menaced  by  a  fear,  forswear 
The  god  within  ?     To  will — to  dare — 
The  two  fierce  forces  known  to  lead 
Success — he  yoked  them  for  his  need  ! 

"  No  bird  in  all  the  land,"  he  cried, 

"  Shall  fright  from  Kaska's  arms  his  bride  ! " 

Ere  long  a  sullen  hum  awoke  ; 

A  shapeless  sound  which  grew  and  broke 

In  tones  discordant — tones  that  seemed 


62  ZULULU, 

But  meaningless  to  him  who  dreamed 
Of  coming  bliss,  till  swelled  the  sound 
To  sudden  tumult  ;  from  the  ground 
It  rose  imperious,  and  wrought 
Its  interdict  of  happy  thought. 

A  warrior  band  was  at  his  gate, 
Strong-armed  strangers,  desperate 
And  rude  of  speech. 

"  In  Oxac's  name — 
By  his  command,  we  come  to  claim 
His  child — Zululu  !     These  demands 
To  Kaska  !  from  his  crafty  hands 
Be  swift  release  or  shall  he  know 
The  vengeance  of  a  northland  foe. 
Go — speed  the  message  to  the  throne  ! ' 

u  By  all  the  gods  let  blood  atone 

The  base  indignity  !     Breaks  thus 

This  Oxac  most  perfidious, 

Our  sacred  bond  ?     False-hearted  chief  ! 

He  seeks  a  quarrel — be  it  brief 

And  hot  !  " 

So  cried  the  king  in  wrath — 
Enraged  as  if  across  his  path 
A  serpent  venomous  did  crawl, 
He  stamped  the  fair  floor  of  his  hall, 
And  glared  with  frenzied  eyes  adown 
Upon  the  tumult  of  the  town. 
For  forth  to  red  encounter  sprang 
A  host  of  ready  braves  !     Out  rang 


THE   MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC.  63 

The  cry  "  Avenge  the  king's  disgrace  !  " 
With  battle-axe  and  pointed  mace,43 
And  ponderous  hammer,  dart,  and  spear, 
Enraged  by  hate  that  blinded  fear, 
In  close  encounter  foe  met  foe 
Where  deadly  thrust,  and  crushing  blow 
Threw  wide  the  door  of  swift  escape 
For  many  a  warrior  soul,  from  shape 
Rough  hewn  to  earth. 

Yet  all  in  vain 

Strove  Oxac's  noble  few  ;  their  slain 
High  heaped  the  gateway  where  they  fought," 
Till  stood  but  two,  who  well  bethought, 
"  What  boots  it  thus  to  throw  away 
Our  lives  in  this  unequal  fray  ?  " 
Forth  through  the  murderous  lines  they  broke, 
The  while  in  awful  fury  woke 
The  wild  pursuit — o'ercome  at  length 
By  northern  courage,  speed,  and  strength  ! — 
On,  on  to  Anahuac  ! 

Not  long 

Might  Oxac  suffer  seeming  wrong 
To  pass  unpunished.     Far  and  near 
Vindictive  tongue,  and  eager  ear 
Conveyed,  and  drank  the  maddening  tale  ; 
And  soon  re-echoed  all  the  vale 
With  loud  "  To  arms  !  "  and  soon  a  host 
Of  dusky  braves  with  threat  and  boast, 
And  flags  outflung  defiantly, 
Swept  down  the  valley  toward  the  sea. 


CANTO  VIII. 
IN  QUIZQUO'S  CAVE. 

"  O  IT  close,  my  child,  small  breath  for  speech 

^     Hath  Bacca — nay,  methinks  to  teach 
Our  tones  the  hush  of  voiceless  fears 
Were  wise — so  many  tongues  and  ears 
Hath  Nature  !     Would  we  were  not  come 
Upon  this  peril !  nought  is  dumb, 
Or  blind,  in  all  this  haunt  of  hers  ; 
The  very  leaves  are  whisperers  ! 
One  like  a  meaning,  sensuous  thing, 
Came  floating  down  on  high  red  wing 
Across  my  path  !     I  hurried  past, 
But  urged  along  by  fitful  blast 
It  rustling  chased  me  as  I  fled — 
The  while  a  night-owl  overhead 
Loud  called  to  me  ! 

"  The  dead  twigs  beat 
Their  sharp  retort  to  hasty  feet 
Which  crushed  them  !     To  the  tell-tale  breeze 
Low  bowed  and  listened  all  the  trees  ; 
The  very  stars  did  on  me  stare  ! 
The  thorn-bush  from  his  tangled  lair 
64 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  6$ 

My  mantle  clutched — see  how  't  is  rent  ! 
And  when  I  reached  the  steep  descent 
By  trailing  vine,  and  scraggy  root 
Made  difficult,  my  careless  foot 
Struck  hard  a  century-sleeping  stone 
Which  woke,  and  leaped  away,  with  tone 
Of  sullen  echoes,  which  did  say  : 
'  A  maiden  came  this  way,  this  way  ! 
Ye  who  seek  her,  follow,  follow, 
Follow,'  till  in  accents  hollow 
Died  the  voice. 

What  if  were  heard 
By  other  ears  the  fateful  word  ? 
O  child  !  new  tongues  articulate 
With  soul,  all  things  inanimate 
Have  taken  on  :  we  are  betrayed  ! 
What  madness  urged  us  to  invade 
This  dreadful  place  ?    The  gods  will  hide 
No  longer  Kaska's  promised  bride." 

"  Good  Bacca,  thou  art  wearied — lean 
Upon  me  thus  ;  so  would  I  screen 
Thy  trembling  form  from  every  ill  ; 
Thy  temples  burn,  thy  hand  is  chill. 
Thy  soul  with  terror  seems  distraught. 
For  two  long  moons,  how  hast  thou  wrought 
My  weal,  and  with  what  cost  to  thee  ! 
Thy  patience,  care,  and  constancy 
Amaze  me  !  all  thy  wanderings  wild 
To  bring  me  food." 

"  Nay,  nay,  my  child, 


66  ZULULU, 

Speak  of  it  not." 

"  That  thou  shouldst  share 
This  solitude,  these  perils  dare, 
Doth  grieve  me,  Bacca." 

"  Grieve  thee  ?  know 
For  thee  my  child,  I  would  forego 
All  ease,  all  ill  endure — yet  what 
Avail  if  Quizquo  succor  not  ?  " 

u  Seems  it  so  difficult  to  rest 
A  little  in  the  shadowed  nest 
Of  love  unseen  ?  so  hard  to  stand 
In  silence,  holding  fast  the  hand 
Omnipotent  ?  shall  doubt  or  fear 
Disquiet  whom  the  gods  hold  dear  ? 
Expression  of  divinest  thought 
Is  Nature. 

Wherefore  question  aught 
Of  solemn  wood,  or  quiet  nook, 
Or  vainful  owl,  or  babbling  brook, 
Or  answering  echoes  ?     On  thy  path 
Looked  down  the  stars  ?     O  not  in  wrath. 
Bright  fluttering  leaf,  and  nodding  tree, 
And  zephyr  soft,  on  ministry 
Of  mercy,  all  methinks  were  sent 
To  whisper  '  peace.'  " 

"  O  what  hath  lent 
Thy  soul  its  fatal  trust  ?     Yet  fly  ! 
Perchance  to  tarry  is  to  die  " — 

"  Perchance  to  live,  but  what  is  life  ? 
A  little  breath  in  constant  strife 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  67 

With  fatal  forces  ?     O  methinks 
The  soul  is  bound  by  golden  links 
To  life  that  feeds  not  in  this  air — 
A  more  of  life  arid  otherwhere  ! 
How  thought  in  this  retreat  hath  grown, 
In  converse  with  the  gods  !  unknown, 
Yet  near,  so  near  that  I  have  caught 
Immortal  breathings  which  have  taught 
Old  words  new  meanings. 

What  is  death  ? 

Oft  have  I  watched  with  bated  breath 
When  stilly  night  was  at  its  noon, 
The  burial  of  the  beauteous  moon — 
Yet  hath  she  ever  risen — no  beam 
Of  beauty  lost  ! 

Beside  the  stream 

That  wanders  through  our  pleasant  vale 
I  know  a  bank  where  violets  pale 
In  spring-time  waken  from  a  sleep 
Refreshful,  though  so  long  and  deep  ! 
And  I  have  called  it  death — that  strange 
Withdrawal,  where  they  rest,  and  change 
Their  faded  hues  for  fairer. 

So 

Methinks  to  die — is  but  to  go 
Apart  a  little,  and  lay  by 
My  dusty  dress — for  shall  not  I 
Be  still  Zululu  ?  still  the  same 
In  thought  and  look,  my  very  name 
Mine  ever  ?     In  my  conscious  breast 
Something  asserts  it.     Not  dull  rest, 


68  ZULULU. 

But  truer,  freer  life,  that  goes 
Straight  through  the  shadow  of  repose 
Into  the  morn — " 

Unheralded 

The  awful  shock  !     It  burst  overhead 
With  fiery  bolt,  and  thunderous  stroke 
Which  thrilled  the  cavern,  and  bespoke 
The  mountain  god  !     Around,  and  o'er, 
Were  jar,  and  deafening  crash,  and  roar, 
With  quivering  walls  on  either  side, 
And  granite  ceiling  parting  wide  ! 

Upheaved  the  rocky  floor  and  fell 
Uncertain  o'er  the  deadly  swell 
Of  molten  billows  mad  with  fire, 
And  quenchless  as  great  Quizquo's  ire. 
The  dim  small  doorway  to  their  hall 
Closed  slowly  into  solid  wall, 
And  all  was  over  ! 

O  to  beat 

The  door  close  shut  to  hope's  retreat  ! 
To  know  the  great  bright  world  apart 
Whirls  on,  nor  heeds  the  throbbing  heart 
Entombed  !  yet  patience,  gentle  souls  ! 
Yes,  fold  your  puny  hands,  and  pray  ! 
God's  blessed  angel  sometimes  rolls 
The  stone  of  sepulture  away. 


CANTO  IX. 
AFTER  THE  BATTLE. 

A  WOKE  the  vale  of  lakes  and  rills, 
*\     Of  Iztapec  the  templed  town, 
As  o'er  the  shoulders  of  the  hills 

Soft  veiled,  the  morning  sun  looked  down, 

On  many  a  home  where  children  played, 
And  patient  mothers  toiled  the  while  ; 

Where  o'er  her  task,  the  black-eyed  maid 
Recalled  her  brave  with  sigh  and  smile, 

Nor  thought  o'erlong  the  fibrous  seams, 
As  swift  her  cactus  needle  flew — 

For  love  was  fashioning  from  dreams 
A  robe  of  gossamer  and  blue. 

And  white-haired  men  whose  wars  were  o'er, 
Smoked  on  in  silence  and  apart  : 46 

Or  sitting  by  the  cabin  door 

They  shaped  and  barbed  the  arrowy  dart. 

From  polished  wood,  shell,  tooth,  and  bone, 
Rare  implements  and  trinkets  made,48 
60 


70  ZULULU, 

Or  chiselled  from  the  gray-green  stone 
The  huge  head  crusher,  axe,  and  blade. 

And  aged  matrons  chanted  low 

To  dusky  babes  upon  their  knees 
The  god-like  feats  of  Manabaho,47 

The  wild  exploits  of  Papukewis,48 

And  strong-armed  Kwasind,49  hearing  which 
Youths  grew  ambitious,  rushed  to  wars  ; 

By  deeds  of  daring  sought  a  niche 
Beside  the  god  who  counted  scars, 

And  gave  long  fame.     Thrice  blessed  he 

With  life  grown  strong,  and  straight,  and  white 

Into  its  immortality 

Among  the  stars  and  crowned  with  light. 

Against  a  slope  of  faded  green 

Stood  up  the  temple  facing  bold 
The  sun,  whose  burning  eye  had  seen 

Her  altars  lit  in  cycles  old. 

Trod  to  and  fro  the  dark-browed  priest 
In  solemn  service  ;  weird  and  tall 

His  shadow,  which  the  glowing  east 
Flung  back  on  the  vermilion  wall,60 

Where  sacred  signs  by  time  unspoiled, 
Were  lithographed  by  hands  at  rest  ; 

And  where  in  awful  beauty  coiled 
The  serpent  with  the  feathered  crest. 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  Jl 

And  countless,  curious  forms  outgrown 
By  mighty  souls,  long  time  embalmed  ; 

Heroic  shapes  that  lived  in  stone  ; 
Brave  barks  eternally  becalmed 

Hark  !  what  of  rumor  brings  the  breeze 
Fresh  from  the  southland  ?     Old  men  rise, 

Rebuke  their  late  enforced  ease, 
Their  deaf  ears  bend,  and  cast  their  eyes 

Adown  the  vale  ;  and  women  leave 

Their  uncrushed  maize,  and  shade  their  brows, 
And  look,  and  listen,  to  retrieve 

Their  fancies  from  the  shimmering  boughs. 

See  !  nearer,  clearer,  lo,  they  come 

With  chants  of  victory — Oxac's  braves  ! 

Loud  welcomes  greet  the  warriors  home 
And  taunt  their  many  hapless  slaves, 

Xibalban  captives  !     War's  red  hand 
Smote  heavily,  snatched  Kaska's  crown, 

Flung  far  his  sceptre  of  command, 
And  slew  the  tyrant — tearing  down 

The  standard  of  his  pride  and  power ! 

Though  terrible,  yet  brief  the  strife  ; 
Alas  for  him  whose  final  hour 

So  reaps  the  follies  of  his  life  ! 

Now,  O  Xibalba — charmed  land, 

Dig  deep  and  hide  thy  lustrous  head  ! 


72  ZULULU, 

'Neath  thickening  mould,  and  drifting  sand, 

And  dark  old  forests  make  thy  bed 

In  silence  :  Yet  be  not  so  dead, 
But  sleep  !  sleep — clinging  to  thy  past. 

And  though  the  slow-paced  ages  make 
Long  marches  o'er  thee,  holding  fast 

Thy  buried  fame,  thou  need'st  not  wake  ! 
E'en  though  the  eager  Present  cry 

"  Awake  !  "  sleep  on  !      Old  Time  hath  sealed 
Thy  quietude.     They  do  not  die 
Whom  God  entombs  !   the  mystery 

Of  silent  life,  lies  unrevealed. 

Feasts,  sacred  festivals,  and  games  B1 

Attest  the  general  joy  ;  red  flames 

The  altar  fire  :  the  hearth-stone  glows 

O'er  warriors  stretched  in  soft  repose 

Well  earned  :  all  hearts  are  jubilant 

Save  one,  whom  neither  victor's  chant, 

Nor  spoils  can  charm — the  noble  chief  ! 

His  heart  is  heavy  with  a  grief 

That  crowds  out  joy.     The  victors  brought 

Proud  trophies  back— not  whom  they  sought — 

Zululu! 

O  how  small  becomes 
A  triumph,  the  encomiums 
That  live  on  mortal  breath,  the  power 
That  grapples  for  one  little  hour 
With  fate  when  all  the  lights  are  out, 
And  gropes  the  hungry  heart  about 
Unsatisfied  ! 


THE  MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC. 

What  cares  he  now 
That  men  before  his  greatness  bow — 
That  he  is  Oxac  ?     Hides  away 
The  wretched  chieftain,  and  the  day 
Wears  on  with  noisesome  glee  and  din  ; 
All  tiresome  sounds  rush  rudely  in 
And  torture  him  with  cruel  pain 
Till  madness  seizes  on  his  brain  ! 
He  calls  his  child,  and  beats  the  air, 
And  weeps,  and  shivers  in  despair. 

In  vain  his  awed  attendants  try 

Full  many  a  royal  remedy, 

Rare  gums  and  cordials,  herbs  and  roots — 

All  medicative  mountain  fruits 

Renowned  for  potency  to  heal 

Afflicted  life.     The  priests  appeal 

To  temple  gods. 

Distressed  and  prone, 
Their  faces  in  the  dust,  bemoan 
The  people  their  beloved  chief  ; 
They  smite  their  loyal  breasts  for  grief, 
And  weeping  wander  to  and  fro. 

"  Why  wail  the  people  ?  What  swift  woe 
Doth  chase  the  tears  down  warrior  cheeks  ? 

A  captive  slave  it  is,  who  speaks — 
A  poor  Xibalban,  won  in  war, 
A  self-forgetful  questioner. 


74  ZULULU. 

"Oxac,  our  mighty  chief  must  die," 
Replies  the  guard  with  downcast  eye  ; 
"  A  fever  boils  his  blood,  his  brain 
Is  fired  with  fury — hope  is  vain  !  " 

"  O  say  not  thus  !  there  is  a  weed 
In  virtue  great  as  is  the  need 
Of  stricken  Oxac.     In  my  land 
'T  is  native,  and  with  careful  hand 
Oft  gathered — e'en  in  yonder  dell 
Perchance  it  grows  !  I  know  it  well — 
O  bid  me  seek  it !  " 

"  Go  !  "  out-spoke 

The  guard,  and  quick  his  fetters  broke  ; 
"  Go,  haste  thee  !  bring  the  gracious  weed  ! 
Life,  death,  according  to  thy  deed 
Thy  recompense." 

Bowed  low  the  slave 
And  sped  away.     Ye  gods,  vouchsafe 
Him  guidance  !  on  a  trembling  breath 
Hangs  his  eternity  !  life,  death  ! 


CANTO  X. 
THE  FEVER  WEED. 

\  17  HAT  long  and  patient  search  he  makes 

'  *     By  sedgy  pools  with  border  brakes 
In  still  recesses  sleeping  late 
Beyond  the  morning,  nooks  ornate 
With  leafy  spray,  the  hiding-place 
Of  stranger  blooms  that  in  his  face 
Do  stare — sweet  creatures  bright  and  bold  ! 
He  heeds  them  not,  they  do  not  hold 
His  destiny. 

How  anxiously 

He  treads  his  way  !   no  cliff  so  high 
He  cannot  climb,  no  dell  so  deep 
He  may  not  dare,  though  serpents  creep 
Among  the  dark  vines  poisonous — 
Perchance  they  guard  his  treasure  thus — 
Ah,  see  !  the  tiny  plant  he  spies  ! 
Success  out-flashes  from  his  eyes, 
And  crushing  'neath  his  heel  defeat, 
He  plucks  it — 't  is  a  meek-eyed  cheat  ! 
By  fields  where  late  the  zea  maize  stood, 
Up  hill  aslant,  through  tangled  wood, 
75 


ZUL  UL  U, 

So  true,  and  purposeful,  and  strong, 
No  path  seems  difficult  or  long. 

On,  on,  till  strength  and  hope  decline, 
And  day  has  reached  the  boundary  line 
Of  twilight,  and  the  fever  weed 
Unfound  !     Perhaps  beyond  its  need 
Great  Oxac  now — then  what  remains  ? 
With  cruel  mockery  and  chains 
The  sterner  fate  to  failure  fixed — 
A  bitter  portion  all  unmixed 
With  pity. 

For  a  moment  stood 

The  wavering  slave,  wide  was  the  wood- 
Might  he  not  flee  ?  why  should  he  die — 
And  life  so  dear  ?     In  agony 
He  prostrate  fell. 

"  O  thou,"  he  cried, 
"  To  whom  this  place  is  sacred,  hide, 
Or  smite  me  with  thine  awful  rod, 
Nor  prove  thyself  a  vengeful  god 
In  whom  a  stranger  cannot  trust." 

"  Quizquo  is  merciful  and  just." 

Amazed,  he  sprang  upon  his  feet 
And  listened  !     How  tempestuous  beat 
His  heart — he  heard  it — nothing  more  ! 
He  peered  about  him  ;  all  things  bore 
A  dumb  behavior,  and  he  felt 
The  night  draw  round  him  like  a  belt, 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  77 

Chill,  tightening,  holding  fast  his  breath  ! 
Had  Oxac's  spirit  freed  by  death, 
Disrobed  to  walk  the  trackless  air, 
Vindictive  come  to  mock  his  prayer  ? 
A  sudden  horror  seized  his  soul  ! 
His  eyes  instinctive  sought  the  ghoul 
Where  shadows  walked  among  the  trees 
Down  shaken  by  the  evening  breeze  ; 
Peered  cautiously  from  side  to  side, 
But  nought  of  spectral  shape  he  spied. 

Then  suddenly  his  soul  grew  strong — 
Remembering  that  no  taint  of  wrong 
Imbued  it,  that  no  evil  thought 
Concerning  Oxac,  was  inwrought 
With  service  well,  but  vainly  done, 
Though  dark  the  doom  his  zeal  had  won. 
Again  upon  the  leaf-strewn  sod 
He  bowed  and  prayed  : 

"  Great  mountain  God 
If  aught  thy  pity  may  command, 
Know  thou,  a  captive  in  strange  land, 
In  dire  extremity  doth  plead 
Thine  aid  to  find  the  fever  weed 
For  stricken  Oxac — lest  he  die  ! — 
O  speed  his  foot,  and  guide  his  eye, 
Thou  great  unknown — his  only  trust — " 

"  Our  only  trust  !  Quizquo  is  just  !  " — 
As  if  an  echo  did  repeat 
Its  pretty  measure. 


78  ZULULU, 

t 

To  his  feet 

Again  he  sprang,  his  prayer  forgot, 
Dispatched  his  senses  to  the  spot 
Whence  seemed  the  sound,  a  symphony 
Of  word  and  tone  so  faint,  so  nigh  ! 
"  Ye  gods,  forgive  a  mortal  ear  !  " 
He  whispered,  bending  low  to  hear. 

"  Quizquo  is  good  ;  yon  pretty  star 
That  through  this  rifted  roof  I  see, 

His  love  hath  summoned  from  afar, 
To  watch  and  shine  for  me, 
For  long  the  night  may  be. 

"  Quizquo  is  great  and  good,  beside 

What  need  a  simple  maiden  know  ? 
Contented  in  his  care  I  bide 

Until  he  bids  me  go — 
Himself  the  way  will  show. 

"  Quizquo  is  merciful  ;  he  draws 
His  curtain  closer,  lest  the  light 

Should  blind  mine  eyes  ;  because 
Of  my  imperfect  sight 
He  gives  me  rest  and  night. 

"  Quizquo  is  good,  and  great,  and  just ; 
Enough — what  would  Zululu  more  ? 

Here  will  she  tarry  in  sweet  trust 
Until  the  night  is  o'er, 
And  love  shall  ope  the  door." 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  79 

The  plaintive  measure  seemed  to  die 
In  waves  of  sweetness,  like  the  sigh 
Of  evening  zephyr  to  the  rose 
The  while  he  rocks  her  to  repose. 

His  fate  forgotten,  terror  flown, 
No  longer  helpless  and  alone, 
For,  came  to  him  that  soulful  power 
Which  sometimes  crowns,  in  darkest  hour. 
Inspired  with  purpose  seemed  the  slave  ; 
A  moment's  earnest  heed  he  gave, 
Then  carefully  explored  the  ground 
Whence  late  exhaled  that  dream  of  sound, 
That  melody  so  strangely  sweet — 
He  sought,  and  at  his  very  feet 
A  narrow  fissure  found,  which  led, 
Out-stretching  like  a  sombre  thread, 
Far  up  the  hill-side.     Tremblingly 
He  kneeled  and  spake  : 

"Whate'erthoube— 
Earth-born  or  spirit — answer  me." 

"  A  mortal  answers  :  could  she  know 
Thou  wert  a  friend,  and  not  a  foe  ?  " 

"  A  foe  to  none  am  I.     Beguiled 
By  Oxac's  need  into  this  wild — " 

"  His  need  !     Oh,  what  is  Oxac's  need  ? 

I  am  Zululu — Oxac's  child  ! 

Say  on — my  hungry  ears  have  greed." 


80  ZULULU, 

"  All  day  the  gods  have  whispered  *  speed 
Thou  vexed  spirit — speed  away  !  ' 
Disease  hath  touched  him  with  decay, 
The  fever  on  him  feeds." 

"  Nay,  nay  ! 

He  must  not  die  !  ''     Zululu  cried, 
"  Some  remedy  may  yet  be  tried — " 

"  For  which  my  life  is  pledged  ;  alas 
I  cannot  find  it  !  "     Leaves  and  grass 
Back  brushing  as  he  spoke,  down  peered 
The  captive  ;  all  was  dark  and  weird. 

"  Zululu,  why  in  this  strange  spot  ? 
Forth — haste  to  Oxac  !  tarry  not  ! 
Perhaps  thy  ministry  may  save 
His  precious  life  !  "  implored  the  slave. 

"  Then  must  he  die.     This  cavern  door 
Hath  Quizquo  shut !     Oh,  never  more, 
Perchance,  shall  poor  Zululu  see 
Her  father's  face  !  " 

"  It  shall  not  be  ! 

What  though  these  granite  doors  are  strong, 
The  soul  is  stronger  !     Powers  malign 
Must  yield  ! — My  life,  sweet  maid,  for  thine  ! " 

"  Yet  stay  ;  I  hide  away  from  one 
I  dare  not  wed — King  Kayi's  son. 
Methinks  't  were  better  here  to  bide — " 

"  List !  Kaska  ne'er  will  claim  his  bride." 


THE  MAID    OF  ANAHUAC.  8 1 

He  clasped  the  lovely  hand  that  through 
The  crevice  reached  to  him. 

"  Adieu, 

Zululu  !  "  but  no  answering  word  ; 
A  sigh  that  told  of  tears  he  heard, 
A  piteous  sigh  that  sped  his  flight  ; 
He  dashed  away  into  the  night 
Down,  down  the  mountain's  rugged  height, 
A  pathless,  treacherous  way,  but  what 
Can  hinder  one  who  has  forgot 
Fear,  fate,  himself  ?  or  what  control 
That  strange  delirium  of  the  soul 
Broke  loose  from  human  impotence  ? 
Poor  cumbrous  shape,  and  strictured  sense, 
Plod  on,  your  way  is  rough  and  new — 
The  soul  waits  not  to  walk  with  you  ! 

The  lowland  gained,  his  course  he  steered 

By  evening  star,  until  appeared 

The  temple  luminous,  the  pride 

Of  Anahuac,  the  stranger's  guide 

To  Iztapec.     Anon  he  neared 

The  mighty  walls  by  patience  reared, 

By  courage  guarded  ;  but  alas  ! 

Within  the  city  gates  could  pass 

Unchallenged  none. 

Uncertain  clung 

The  answer  to  his  stammering  tongue  ; 
The  rough  guard  marked  it,  and  not  less 
His  unaccustomed  air  and  dress. 
Suspicion  said  "  A  foe  thou  art  !  " 

6 


82  ZULULU, 

And  swift  and  straight  the  hurtling  dart 
Was  sped  and  buried  in  his  breast  ; 
He  fell — no  cry  his  pain  expressed, 
Yet  low  he  murmured  : 

"  Thus  to  die 

With  sealed  lips  ;  ye  gods  deny 
Life,  liberty  to  me,  all  bliss, 
Whate'er  ye  will,  but  grant  me  this> 
A  heaven  for  her,  a  swift  release 
To  fair  Zululu  !  courage  !  peace 
Poor  heart  !  perchance  some  kindly  ear 
May  catch  thy  cry." 

'T  was  heard,  drew  near 
The  guards  and  gave  gruff  audience. 

"  For  Oxac's  sake — O  bear  me  thence 
Within  the  city  !     Staunch  this  flow  ! 
A  little  breath — the  chief  shall  know 
Where  hides  his  child — ah  me — too — late  !  " 

Strong  hands  push  back  the  ponderous  gate 
And  bear  his  bleeding  form  within, 
And  crowding  round  him  seek  to  win 
His  spirit  back.     With  fibrous  twines 
Tie  up  his  wounds,  nutritious  wines 
Bestow,  and  gentle  food. 

Attent 

They  wait  the  slow  arbitrament 
Of  life  with  death,  till  as  from  sleep 
He  rouses. 

"  Do  the  people  weep  ? 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  83 

Oxac — lives  he  ?     I  pray  you  say 
He  lives  !  " 

"  He  lives." 

"  Then  haste  away — 
O  haste  and  bring  his  child — 't  is  she — 
Her  very  lips  did  answer  me 
From  darksome  cave  in  yonder  wild, 
*  I  am  Zululu,  Oxac's  child  !  '— 
Can  nought  your  sluggish  natures  stir  ? 
Ye  cowards  !     Will  none  rescue  her  ? 
Then  I — stand  back — nay,  let  me  go  !  " 

He  sought  to  rise, — as  if  a  blow 

Had  smitten  him,  he  swooned,  and  fell 

Into  a  long  dim  interval 

Of  silence,  and  he  would  not  wake, 

Nor  heed  their  questions,  nor  unmake 

The  wonderment  his  broken  speech 

Had  wrought,  but  held  beyond  their  reach, 

A  key  which  might  unlock  the  day 

To  Oxac,  who  benighted  lay 

In  heavy  slumbers,  moaning  low 

Of  lost  Zululu — for  his  woe 

Slept  not,  and  his  attendants  deemed 

His  grief  but  greater  when  he  dreamed. 


CANTO  XI. 
THE    SEARCH. 

T    ONG  hours  unconscious  lay  the  slave  ; 
•"**     Save  that  he  breathed  no  sign  he  gave 
Of  life,  but  looked  as  one  long  dead. 
He  heeded  not  the  guard  who  said  : 

"  Base  treachery  is  here  !  this  slave 
But  sought  his  worthless  life  to  save 
By  falsehood  ;  gave  his  word  to  bring 
A  fever-weed,  some  useless  thing 
His  people  prize,  the  which  should  cure 
Our  stricken  chief  !  the  forfeiture 
Was  death — which  he  accepted.     See  ! 
He  brings  no  royal  remedy, 
But  comes  with  mutterings  false  and  wild 
Of  forest,  cavern,  Oxac's  child  ! 
Perchance  he  prates  of  Quizquo's  cave 
To  lure  us  thither — cursed  knave  ! 
Gods  !  I  would  smite  him,  but  to  save 
His  life  for  sorer  punishment." 

Some  answered  "  So  "  ;  and  some  low  bent 
And  looking  in  his  face  nought  said  ; 

84 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  85 

Some  stood  apart  and  shook  the  head, 
While  some  strode  wrathfully  around, 
And  others  gazed  upon  the  ground. 

At  length  a  youthful  brave  stepped  forth  ; 
The  cold,  dread  courage  of  the  north 
Was  his,  and  hot  young  blood. 

"  A  slave 

Has  called  us  cowards  !  and  we  save 
Our  answer  till  his  emptied  veins 
Refill,  that  he  may  reap  the  gains 
Of  treachery.     Why  doom  him  thus  ? 
Those  whom  the  gods  count  valorous 
Are  just  ;  and  justice  bids  us  heed 
His  broken  story,  and  with  speed 
Yon  forest  search,  and  with  such  care 
The  maiden  shall  be  found — if  there. 
Though  idle  words  were  those  that  fell 
From  craven  lips,  yet  do  we  well, 
O  brother  braves  ?     To  her  retreat 
The  gods  direct  our  willing  feet  !  " 
The  words  of  Atzol. 

Answered  none 

By  yea,  or  nay,  but  one  by  one, 
A  deedful  few  their  places  took 
Beside  the  youth. 

The  babbling  brook 

Sings  not  its  source  through  summer's  drought. 
Mute  force  is  mighty,  working  out, 
The  grand  designs  of  nature.     Power 
Is  deed,  when  duty  strikes  the  hour. 


86  ZULULU, 

They  formed,  a  hardy  zealous  band  ; 
Each  warrior  held  a  flaming  brand, 
And  each  his  ready  weapon  bore, 
And  all  were  silent. 

Round  and  o'er 

The  night  was  thick,  and  hushed,  and  late, 
But  every  heart  was  desperate 
With  purpose,  and  each  black  eye  burned 
With  energy  which  dared  or  spurned 
The  hinderments  of  circumstance. 
What  eager  ear  !  what  sidelong  glance  ! 

Stout  natures  sometimes  reap  disgrace 
From  trifles  ;  very  pigmies  chase 
The  man  in  armor  who  o'erthrows 
In  awful  needs  gigantic  foes  ! 

A  nameless  terror  chilled  each  brave 

As  wound  their  way  toward  Quizquo's  cave, 

For  footprints  from  the  dingle  deep 

Led  on  and  up  the  wooded  steep 

To  thickest  shade. 

Now,  near  the  ground 
Their  torches  flare  and  circle  round 
The  astonished  trees,  to  which  the  light 
Long  hours  before  had  said  "  Good-night." 
A  broken  twig,  a  new  bent  blade, 
A  leaf's  displacement  in  the  shade, 
A  low  crushed  lichen  quivering  yet, 
Because  some  foot  had  late  been  set 
Upon  it,  said  "  This  way  he  went." 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  87 

They  understood,  pressed  on,  content 
With  roughest  toil  could  they  but  trace 
His  wanderings  to  the  hiding-place 
Of  lost  Zululu. 

All  confessed 

As  leader  in  the  doubtful  quest 
Young  Atzol,  whose  harangue  had  won 
Their  dumb  approval ;  counselled  none 
This  course  or  that,  but  as  he  led 
They  followed. 

With  observant  tread 

He  sometimes  moved,  and  sometimes  stood 
Erect  and  questioned  close  the  wood 
With  sense  acute,  or  in  his  might 
Advanced,  far  flashing  left  and  right 
His  fiery  brand. 

"  Ha  !     What  strange  thing 
Here  flutters  like  a  red-bird's  wing 
Among  these  brambles  fell  and  bold  ? " 
He  said,  and  plucked  it  from  the  hold 
Of  thorny  fingers.     'T  was  a  shred 
Of  some  gay-colored  stuff.     A  thread 
Of  fringe  clung  to  it,  and  betrayed 
The  part. 

"  Methink's  Zululu's  maid 
Had  mantle  bordered  thus  !  "  one  cried. 
Another  viewed  it  and  replied  : 
"  Of  Bacca's  mantle  't  is  a  part  !  " 

Thereat  spake  Atzol :  "  Be  each  heart 
By  this  assured  ;  about  this  place 


ZULULU, 

Be  every  nook  and  dream  of  space 
Severely  searched."     All  gave  assent 
And  forth  by  paths  divergent  went. 

Like  those  who  listen,  awed  and  prone 
To  catch  the  earthquake's  undertone, 
So  Atzol  bowed  him  to  the  ground, 
With  ear  expectant  set.     Profound 
The  silence,  till  at  length  up-crept 
A  quavering  breath.     He  started  ;  swept 
The  drifted  leaves  with  blaze  of  light. 
When,  lo  !  discovered  to  his  sight 
A  fissure,  sinuous  and  dark  ! 
With  curious  eye  he  stooped  to  mark 
Its  meaning,  when  a  sobbing  sound 
Arose  as  from  the  rifted  ground. 

"Whom  holds  this  dungeon  ? "  loud  he  cried, 

"  Zululu,"  one  low-voiced  replied, 
"  And  good  old  Bacca  ; — other  seems 
The  tone — not  that  which  all  my  dreams 
And  prayers  have  thrilled  since  yester  eve — 
Would  't  were  the  same  !  " 

That  she  did  weave 
Strange  words  into  her  answer,  what 
To  those  who  understood  them  not, 
Whose  earnest  souls  were  only  stirred 
For  her  release  ? 

Prompt  was  the  word, 
And  brave  the  deed,  as  stroke  on  stroke 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  89 

Their  huge  stone  hammers  beat  and  broke 
Through  walls  of  earth  and  granite  gray, 
The  cavern  opening  to  the  day — 
To  those  entombed  the  world  without. 
When  gentle  feet  stepped  forth,  a  shout 
Proclaimed  through  all  the  dark  profound, 
"  Zululu  !  Oxac's  child,  is  found  !  " 

Bright  streamed  the  autumn  sunshine  down ; 

Late  morning  lay  upon  the  town, 

Ere  Atzol's  gallant  equipage 

Swept  through  the  gates — its  final  stage 

With  triumph  rounded.     Warriors  strong 

Wrought  glad  delirium  in  the  throng 

By  acclamation  long  and  wild 

In  honor  of  their  chieftain's  child. 

All  nature  seemed  to  catch  the  thrill 

Of  joyance,  vale  and  vocal  hill 

Awoke  and  echoed  long  applause  ; 

The  birds  sang  new  sweet  tunes,  because 

Of  fair  Zululu — homeward  borne  ! 

And  when  with  sweet  face  sorrow  worn, 

Down  from  the  birchen  chair  she  stepped, 

Full  many  a  gray-haired  matron  wept 

For  very  joy  that  she  was  found, 

While  happy  children  strewed  the  ground 

With  flowers. 

Poor  child  !  she  could  not  heed 
Or  cheers,  or  tears,  or  loving  deed 
Of  artless  childhood.     Swift  she  flew 
To  Oxac's  chamber — but  he  knew 


go  ZULULU. 

Her  not,  nor  answered  when  she  spake, 
Beseeching  him  with  tears  to  wake. 

Long  time  beside  his  couch  she  stands, 
His  burning  brow  with  tender  hands 
Soft  soothing  ;  but  while  yet  she  waits 
And  weeps  and  prays,  the  fever  bates, 
And  Oxac  wakens  ;  lo  !  't  is  she — 
Zululu — mute  with  misery 
And  love's  solicitude  ! 

Her  eyes 

To  all  his  doubts  give  glad  replies — 
Enough  !     He  clasps  her  to  his  breast 
And  holds  her  close,  then  fearful  lest 
His  senses  cheat  him,  bids  her  speak  ; 
He  strokes  her  hair,  and  feels  her  cheek, 
Her  soft  hand  presses,  calls  her  name 
O'er  and  again,  while  hint  of  blame 
Intones  his  accent,  as  if  still 
Her  presence  answers  not  his  will. 

At  length  o'erwrought  he  sleeps,  to  wake 
Refreshed.     To  other  hearts  that  ache, 
Bring  sweet  repose,  O  blessed  sleep  ! 
And  gently  close  the  eyes  that  weep. 


CANTO  XII. 

THE  TRIAL. 

SO  Oxac  of  his  malady 
Was  healed,  and  on  an.  early  day 
He  rose  and  thanked  the  gods,  and  bore 
To  temple  altars  princely  store 
Of  sacrificial  fruits,  and  there 
Devoutly  worshipped. 

High  in  air, 

Soft  overlapping  fold  on  fold, 
Thick  clouds  of  odorate  incense  rolled 
Like  prayers  of  white-robed  souls  that  fling 
Sweet  benedictions  from  the  wing 
Spread  heavenward,  marking  as  they  rise 
The  spirit's  highway  to  the  skies. 

As  if  to  some  great  festival 
The  people  gathered,  proving  well 
Their  loyalty  and  gratitude- 
Was  not  great  Oxac's  life  renewed, 
Zululu  found  ? 

No  woe  to  check 
Her  happiness  had  Iztapec, 


92  ZULULU, 

And  all  the  land  had  joy  again  ; 

Staid  matrons,  lion-hearted  men, 

Youths,  maidens,  children, — all  were  glad. 

In  garb  fantastic  some  were  clad, 

Invoking  mirth  by  dance  and  game  ; 

While  ever  and  anon  the  name 

Of  Oxac  woke  the  loyal  cheer 

So  grateful  to  a  ruler's  ear. 

And  ever  and  anon,  uprose 

A  shout  which  over  vanquished  foes 

Inhered  to  old  Nahuan  braves. 

Far  heights  responsive  flung  the  waves 

Of  tumult  back,  and  with  the  shout 

The  name  of  Kaska,  wreathed  about 

With  scorn  ;  till  when,  Zululu  nought 

Had  known  of  deadliest  battle  fought — 

And  Kaska  slain  !     But  there  she  stood, 

A  fair  strong  type  of  maidenhood 

How  tempest  shaken  ! 

To  the  chief 

She  trembling  clung.     Somewhat  of  grief 
To  pity  softened  made  her  weep — 
Resolving  Kaska's  name  to  keep, 
Enshrined  by  memory  with  pure 
And  sacred  things,  from  scorn  secure. 
E'en  as  she  wept,  to  Oxac  pressed 
A  warrior  with  the  foul  request : 

"  Great  chief,  this  proud  occasion  cries 
Aloud  for  fitting  sacrifice. 
Unnumbered  southern  slaves  await 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  93 

Long  servitude  or  swifter  fate 
On  smoking  altars.     One  by  one, 
Dost  bid  us  offer  to  the  Sun 
Their  proud  warm  hearts  ?  " 

"  O  never  yet 

Our  sacred  altars  have  been  wet 
With  human  blood,"  Oxac  replied. 
"  Enough  that  fair  Xibalba's  pride 
Is  humbled  for  a  crime  not  hers  ! 
Enough,  her  sons  are  servitors 
To  strangers." 

Bowing  low  his  head, 
"  Oxac  hath  spoken,"  Murzi B2  said, 
As  if  his  spirit  were  subdued, 
Yet  still  in  abject  attitude 
Remained  till  Oxac  bade  him  speak. 

"  Most  gracious  chief.     I  do  but  seek 
The  just  enforcement  of  just  laws 
For  crimes  committed.     This  my  cause  ; 
Among  the  captives  there  is  one 
Who  dared — what  never  can  be  done — 
To  blind  old  Murzi  !     Treachery 
Demands  sore  punishment  ;  with  me 
He  broke  his  faith.     For  Oxac's  need 
He  pledged  to  bring  a  fever  weed, 
Some  sure  specific  known  to  bate 
The  fever  fire,  but,  lingering  late, 
Brought  only  fabrications  wild, 
And  tangled  stories  of  thy  child — 
Full  tender  pratings  for  a  slave  !  " 


94  ZUL  UL  u, 

"  Then  shall  he  die  !  but  bring  the  knave. 
Unjudged  shall  pass  no  weakling's  cause, 
If  guilty,  stern  and  just  our  laws." 

Soon  came  old  Murzi  ;  petty  power, 

Which  crowns  the  craven  for  an  hour 

Of  tyranny,  had  stamped  the  sign 

Of  cruelty  on  every  line 

And  feature  of  his  swarthy  face  ; 

A  human  fiend,  without  one  grace 

Of  human  sympathy  was  he  ; 

A  hateful,  blackened  mystery 

Of  life  which  should  be  white  !    So  sin 

Consuming  all  the  good  within, 

Disfigures  all  without. 

Fell  back 

The  clamorous  crowd — a  narrow  track 
The  guards  held  open  to  the  court 
Toward  which  the  hapless  slave,  the  sport 
And  curse  of  all,  was  rudely  pressed. 
Whom  thus  the  angry  chief  addressed. 

"  Ha  !  art  thou  he  whose  word  is  nought, 
Who  pledged  to  bring,  but  never  brought, 
The  fever  weed  ?    Who  dared  to  teach 
Thy  captive  tongue  to  frame  in  speech 
My  daughter's  name— full  tenderly  ? 
Accursed  slave  !  speak  !    Art  thou  he  ?  " 

With  wrath  was  Oxac's  eye  aflame, 
The  slave  drew  up  his  well-built  frame 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  95 

To  fullest  stature,  from  the  ground 

His  clear  eyes  raised.     His  arms  were  bound, 

His  feet  were  bare,  a  ghastly  wound 

Was  in  his  breast,  his  garment  rent 

And  stained  with  blood.    On  him  were  bent 

Unnumbered  hateful  eyes,  which  fed 

Upon  his  anguish. 

Battle  bred, 

His  savage  heart  to  pity  steeled, 
Or  in  the  court,  or  on  the  field 
Nahuan  power  was  terrible  ! 

"  Great  chief,  thou  bidd'st  me  answer.     Nay, 

I  am  not  he  !  doth  Murzi  say 

One  broke  his  faith  ?     I  am  not  he. 

A  captive's  tongue  touched  wantonly 

Thy  daughter's  name  ?     I  am  not  he  ! — 

My  soul  stands  forth  defiantly 

To  meet  the  charge  !     Yet  wherefore  tell 

My  story  ?     Murzi  knows  full  well 

He  wrongs  me,  and  the  gods  know  all  !  " 

A  low,  mad  murmuring  filled  the  hall, 
Which  spread,  and  quickening  louder  swelled. 
A  frown  from  Oxac  promptly  quelled 
The  outbreak. 

"  Take  this  captive  hence 
To  deepest  dungeon,  recompense 
Awaits  him  !  " 

At  the  word,  't  was  done  ; 
The  glad  day  waned,  low  flamed  the  sun 


96  ZULULV. 

And  passed  away  with  fair  adieu. 
The  people  from  their  mirth  withdrew 
To  humble  homes  and  rugged  rest  ; 
Within  the  palace  proud  forms  pressed 
Voluptuous  couches.     Thick  and  wide 
Night's  ebon  curtain  fell. 

Untried 

No  soul  is  strong — no  life  all  white 
Unwashed  by  dews  of  sorrow's  night. 
No  love,  whate'er  its  boast,  is  true, 
That  cannot  walk  the  furnace  through — 
Some  seven-fold  trial  without  loss. 
The  purest  faith  wreathes  fair  the  cross, 
And  holds  it  dearer  than  the  crown. 
The  bliss  unblighted  by  earth's  frown 
Is  born  of  sacrifice. 


CANTO   XIII. 

SOME  CAUSES  WILL  BE  HEARD  AGAIN. 
,AMP,  lone 


D 


The  dungeon,  where  on  bed  of  stone 
The  captive  crouched  ;  yet  by  and  by 
He  slept  and  dreamed.     An  azure  sky 
Was  o'er  him,  there  were  flowers  and  trees, 
And  murmurings  of  summer  seas, 
And  spicy  breezes,  and  bright  birds 
Whose  songs  were  miracles — sweet  words 
Which  through  his  charmed  senses  stole 
Into  the  chambers  of  the  soul, 
And  thrilled  him  with  such  strange  delight 
He  wakened — lo,  his  room  was  bright ! 
A  lovely  form  was  o'er  him  bent 
And  one  was  whispering. 

"  Punishment 

For  deed  like  thine — O  brave  true  heart ! 
For  though  I  know  not  whence  thou  art 
Nor  whom,  yet  thou  didst  save  me,  thou  !  " 
She  laid  her  soft  hand  on  his  brow 
And  gazed  into  his  eyes — her  own 
Were  full  of  tears,  her  gentle  tone 
97 


98  ZULULU, 

Was  tremulous,  her  unbound  hair 
Lay  on  his  breast. 

"  O  vision  fair  ! 

O  blessed  eyes  that  on  me  beam  ! 
O  matchless,  sweet,  bewildering  dream — 
How  dost  thou  mock  me  !  " 

"  Nay,  not  so  ; 

No  dream  is  this  to  mock  thy  woe — 
Only  Zululu,  whose  distress 
Companions  all  thy  wretchedness." 

"  Zululu — and  she  pities  me  ?  " 

"Would  hand  of  mine  might  set  thee  free  ! 

Yet  much  I  fear  thy  hapless  fate  ; 

My  father  knows  not  to  abate 

His  ire,  and  Murzi  maddened  him. 

Too  well  I  read  it  in  his  dim 

But  angry  eyes.     Alas  when  wrong 

Confuses  judgment,  and  the  strong 

To  cravens  yield  !     Of  what  avail 

Is  mercy's  plea,  or  sorrow's  wail, 

In  such  an  hour  ?     Oh,  then,  how  weak 

Is  woman,  though  her  heart  doth  speak  ! 

Power  hath  a  voice  for  heavy  ears, 

That  drowns  the  eloquence  of  tears. 

And  yet  the  gods  judge  not  as  men — 

Some  causes  will  be  heard  again, 

And  rulings  of  these  lower  courts 

Be  set  aside.     Heaven's  law  comports 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  99 

With  truth,  while  at  the  bar  above, 
The  mightiest  advocate  is  love." 
The  captive  smiled    "  Thy  loving  thought 
Hath  surely  for  my  spirit  wrought 
Release  ;  in  solitude  or  death, 
My  wasted  cheek  will  feel  thy  breath, 
Thy  tender  words  will  charm  my  ear, 
The  radiance  of  thy  beauty  clear 
My  clouded  sky  !     I  cannot  know 
Henceforth  the  quality  of  woe. 
Whate'er  my  fate,  remembering  thee 
Zululu,  't  will  be  heaven  to  me  !  " 

"  Perhaps  to-morrow  thou  must  die  ! — 
If  so,  I  know  in  yonder  sky 
Thou  crowned  shalt  be." 

"  There  free  from  blame 
Might  I  but  breathe  Zululu's  name — " 

"  How  would  she  list  and  make  reply  ?  " 
"  Gods  't  were  a  blissful  thing  to  die  !  " 
"  Thy  life— for  this  shall  be  my  prayer." 

She  softly  stroked  his  raven  hair. 

And  o'er  his  wounded  bosom  spread 

His  tattered  robe  ;  then  plucked  a  thread 

From  out  its  border  ;  next  her  heart 

She  hid  it,  as  some  magic  art 

It  held  ;  the  while  the  poor  slave  lay 

So  wafted  from  his  woe  away 


IOO  ZULULU, 

His  tongue  forgot  all  forms  of  speech. 
He  seemed  to  stand  on  some  bright  beach 
Where  sails  are  set  for  paradise  ! 
A  moment's  bliss — but  gone  !  his  eyes 
Flashed  sudden  pain. 

"  Nay,  to  despair 

O  leave  me,  dearest !  thou  dost  dare 
Great  peril,  coming  thus  alone 
To  this  vile  place  !  " 

"  Aye,  if  't  is  known 
Alone  thou  diest  not  !  but  well 
Is  bribed  the  kind  old  sentinel, 
My  foot  is  heedful,  heavily 
The  city  sleeps  ;  fear  not — for  me 
The  gods  will  care. 

The  hour  grows  late — 

Yet  know,  brave  heart,  though  thou  should'st  die 
Death  never  bars  the  morning  gate 
To  holiest  love  ;  and  by  and  by 
'T  will  ope  for  me.     But  now  adieu." 
A  signal — back  the  huge  door  drew 
And  closed  again,  and  she  was  gone. 

A  long  thick  night,  a  slow  gray  dawn, 
Then  came  the  day  ;  with  rosy  hand 
She  scattered  sunshine  o'er  the  land, 
And  sipped  her  dew  with  smiles  so  bright, 
The  beverage  sparkled  into  light. 

Refreshment  feigning  from  repose, 
Zululu  with  the  morning  rose 


THE  MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC.  IOI 

And  donned  her  court  apparel  flecked 
With  brilliancies,  her  round  arms  decked 
With  bands  impearled,  her  pretty  feet 
Dressed  daintily,  adorned  with  sweet 
Autumnal  blooms  her  tressy  hair, 
And  o'er  her  shoulders  flung  a  rare 
Embroidered  mantle  seldom  worn, 
By  regal  elegance  forsworn 
Familiar  uses. 

"  Bacca,  nay  ! 

Know  only  this,  that  I  to-day, 
By  all  the  arts  love  can  devise, 
Would  be  most  pleasing  in  his  eyes — 
And  yet,  I  may  not  please  him  !  so, 
My  girdle  tie — now  let  me  go, 
Lest  soon  my  trembling  limbs  refuse 
To  bear  me  hence.     No  childish  dews 
Must  blind  mine  eyes— my  tongue  must  speak 
Articulate — upon  my  cheek 
Must  flash  no  feeling  !  I  must  still 
This  fluttering  heart — I  can — I  will  ! 

"  Great  peril  ?  I  would  undertake 

All  peril — all  things  for  thy  sake 

Brave  heart  !  poor  slave  ! — ah  !  said  I — what  ? 

I  pray  you,  Bacca,  heed  it  not, 

My  soul  is  vexed  with  troublous  things, 

And  idle  thoughts  take  ready  wings." 


CANTO  XIV. 
A  PLEA  FOR  LIFE. 

was  early  in  the  court, 
And  there  she  sought  him.    To  comport 
With  reverent  customs  she  must  bide 
His  leisure. 

At  the  chieftain's  side 
A  dozen  veteran  warriors  stood, 
And  one  seemed  speaking  ;  audience  good 
Gave  Oxac,  for  he  did  not  hear 
Zululu's  footstep  ;  half  in  fear 
She  softly  stole  into  the  shade 
A  massive  pillar  cast,  and  laid 
A  hush  on  clamorous  distress. 
She  could  not  hope  to  gain  access 
To  Oxac's  side  without  delay, 
Nor  unobserved,  to  steal  away. 
"  Alas  't  is  Murzi— all  is  lost !  " 
She  murmured,  as  a  dark  form  crossed 
The  outer  court ;  his  grave  advance 
She  marked  with  pallid  countenance, 
But  sought  to  hush  her  heart — to  hear 
Qr  hopeful  word,  or  doom  austere, 

102 


THE  MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC.  103 

For  one  in  thrall  !     Though  Oxac  spake 
The  words  her  heart  would  glad  or  break 
No  meaning  bore  they  to  her  ear. 

"  O  gods,"  she  breathed,  "  by  this  dear  sign 
Lead  on." 

And  from  its  bosomed  shrine 
She  drew,  and  to  her  pale  lips  pressed 
The  crimson  relic.     On  her  breast 
Low  drooped  her  head  like  one  in  prayer 
When  hope  is  challenged  by  despair. 
Thus  shadowed  by  the  column  old, 
Herself  as  motionless  and  cold, 
She  stood  some  anguished  minutes  ;  when 
Her  absent  soul  came  back  again, 
How  silent  was  the  council  hall  ! 
Murzi  was  gone,  the  chieftain,  all — 
But  whither  ? 

With  a  startled  cry 
Like  children  when  the  lamps  go  out 
And  all  is  night  in  earth  and  sky — 
With  none  to  kiss  away  the  doubt, 
To  hold  the  hand,  and  banish  fear, 
With  "  child,  eternal  Love  is  here  "— 
Zululu,  frenzied  with  affright, 
Upstarted  !  peering  left  and  right — 
Along  the  corridor  she  flew, 
Here,  there,  upon  the  courtier's  view 
Like  sudden  sunshine  bursting  through 
A  hurrying  cloud  of  summer  time, 
Her  footfalls  waking  sweetest  chime, 


104  ZULULU, 

Until  the  chieftain  she  espied  ; 
He  saw,  and  called  her  to  his  side ; 
Her  presence  was  a  glad  surprise, 
She  read  it  in  his  love-lit  eyes. 
She  smiled,  and  to  her  pretty  cheek 
The  dimples  came  ;  in  silence  meek 
She  stood  till  Oxac  first  should  speak, 
Their  custom  such,  and  then  with  words 
As  musical  as  woodland  birds 
She  filled  his  ears,  repeating  oft 
Endearing  phrase  in  accent  soft. 
Brief  pauses,  artless  pleasantries 
And  happy  answers,  framed  to  please, 
Instarred  some  moments  of  delay. 
At  length,  but  with  her  eyes  away, 
As  if  her  heart  were  other  where, 
Though  all  her  soul  was  full  of  prayer : 

"  My  father — priceless  boon  I  crave  " — 

"  Say  on,  my  child." 

"  His  life  !  the  slave  " 

"  The  slave  !  what  slave  indeed  can  claim 
Zululu's  care  ?  well  may  hot  shame 
Burn  thus  thy  cheek  !  what  slave  ?  reply  ! 
For  by  my  word  the  wretch  shall  die." 

"  Alas  !  I  only  know  't  is  he 
Whom  cruel  Murzi  wrongs,  the  same 
Whom  Quizquo  sent  to  succor  me  : 
O  nought  of  treachery  or  blame 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  1 05 

Doth  stain  his  soul  !  't  is  he  whose  feet 
Drew  near  the  door  of  my  retreat, 
Else  had  I  perished.     If  his  fate 
Be  unpronounced— if  not  too  late — 
O  Father— say  he  shall  not  die  !  " 

"Too  late." 

She  caught  the  stern  reply 
And  fell  as  if  his  clenched  hand 
Had  struck  her  down.     His  cold  command 
Thrice  given  she  heeded  not,  though  heard — 
"  Zululu,  rise  !  " 

Tone,  look,  and  word, 
The  triple  shaft  sent  not  amiss, 
Had  struck  with  strange  paralysis 
Her  warm  young  life. 

Transfixed,  amazed, 
Old  Oxac  on  his  daughter  gazed. 
Cold,  tearless,  motionless  ;  all  hushed 
Her  passion  plea  !  a  blossom  crushed 
By  icy  hand  were  not  more  dead 
To  warmth  and  light,  its  sweet  soul  fled — 
And  yet  not  dead  was  she  ;  for  long 
The  heart  will  throb,  the  pulse  beat  strong 
When  all  that  makes  life  glad  and  warm 
Is  frozen  in  some  awful  storm. 

Till  now,  her  every  thought  and  sense 
Had  yielded  prompt  obedience, 
Nor  ever  deemed  his  dictate  ill, 
Nor  dared  the  deadline  of  his  will. 


106  ZULULU, 

"  Too  late  ! ' 

She  lies  with  breast  unstirred 
By  hope  or  fear,  while  Oxac's  word 
On  dumb  rebellion  falls  and  dies 
Unnoticed.     Anger,  scorn,  surprise, 
Compassion,  love  his  great  soul  seize 
And  swift  through  all  their  fixed  degrees 
Lead  down  to  tenderness. 

u  My  child  ! 

What  evil  influence  hath  beguiled 
Thy  peace  and  wrought  this  hour  of  ill  ? 
Speak,  daughter  !  why  so  cold  and  still  ? 
Zululu!" 

But  her  eye  is  set 
On  nothingness,  a  dead  regret 
That  wakes  no  sigh. 

"  Alas,  some  spell 
Demoniac  and  terrible 
Hath  won  her  !  " 

Filled  with  strange  alarms 
The  father  lifted  in  his  arms 
His  stricken  child  and  fled  with  haste 
Forth,  toward  the  temple.     Eager-faced 
The  people  followed. 

u  Or  in  grief 

Or  wrath  goes  forth  our  mighty  chief  ? " 
They  questioned,  though  all  tongues  were  mute. 
Proud  forms  in  homage  absolute 
Were  bowed,  he  heeded  none,  nor  aught, 
Until  his  ear  confusion  caught, 
Made  dreadful  with  the  shout  of  doom. 


THE  MAID   OF  AN  AH  U AC.  I 

As  soldiers,  from  his  dungeon  gloom 
Led  forth  the  captive  slave  to  die. 

Upon  the  savage  pageantry 

The  victim  gazed.     From  some  far  height 

His  eye  had  caught  a  steadfast  light, 

His  breast  the  calm  of  courage  born  ; 

His  proud  lips  wore  a  noble  scorn 

Of  deeds  ignoble.     Threat  and  thrall, 

The  enginery  of  torture,  all — 

He  scorned  them,  aye  and  death  ;  so  strong 

Becomes  the  soul  inured  to  wrong 

And  fired  by  love,  that  from  its  track 

Pain  flees,  and  life  itself  stands  back. 

Much  marvelling  that  he  trembled  not, 
They  led  him  to  the  fatal  spot, 
A  broad  low  mound  of  ashen  earth 
Where  not  a  blade  of  green  had  birth, 
And  bound  him  to  a  beam  of  oak, — 
A  ponderous  beam  by  flame  and  smoke 
Oft  charred  and  blackened,  it  bespoke 
The  lengthened  torture  to  be  wrought  ! 


CANTO  XV. 

FULFILMENT. 

RE  yet  the  lighted  brand  was  brought 

A  silence  signal,  Murzi  gave, 
And  stepping  forth  addressed  the  slave 

"  Seek  not,  O  guilty  wretch,  to  die 
As  die  the  brave,  nor  dare  defy 
The  god  of  justice  ;  ere  too  late, 
Confess  thy  crimes  commensurate 
With  stern  award." 

The  captive  turned — 

His  breath  came  quick,  his  clear  eye  burned 
With  passion's  fire. 

"  Contemptuous  knave  ! 
Thy  words  become  thee,  noble  brave  ! 
The  gods  thy  virtues  mark  ! — confess  ? 
Aye,  if  to  soothe  Oxac's  distress, 
My  service  wearisome  and  long 
Though  fruitless — be  a  grievous  wrong  ; 
And  if  it  be  a  crime  more  base 
To  find,  unsought,  the  hiding-place 
Of  lost  Zululu— " 

108 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  1 09 

"  List  !  that  tone  ! 
In  Quizquo's  cavern  dark  and  lone 
It  spoke  me  life — it  is  the  same  ! 
Methinks  one  called  Zululu's  name," 
The  maiden  murmured,  but  the  slave 
Heard  not  her  words. 

"  Yet  know,  old  brave, 
Zululu  loves  me  !  by  and  by, 
My  fetters  broken,  I  shall  fly 
Beyond  the  shadows,  and  await 
Her  coming  at  the  morning  gate — 
Mine  own  Zululu  !  " 

"Aye,  'tis  he! 

Dear  heart— Zululu  dies  with  thee  !  " 
She  cried,  and  sprang  from  Oxac's  hold 
Like  some  bright  spirit  uncontrolled, 
And  instant  to  the  captive  flew,  * 
Her  jewelled  arms  around  him  threw, 
Her  soft  cheek  to  his  bosom  pressed  ; 

"  Thus,  Murzi,  is  my  love  confessed  ! 

My  strength  and  purpose  here  are  shown — 

For  know,  he  shall  not  die  alone  !  " 

In  faces  stern,  and  scarred,  and  old, 
Her  young  eyes  flashed  defiance  bold. 
The  guard  astonished,  quailed  as  those 
Who  smite  in  dreams  immortal  foes, 
From  whom  their  puny  blows  rebound 
Without  an  echo. 


1 10  ZULULU, 

O'er  and  'round, 
A  miracle  of  silence  fell — 
A  moment  awful  with  the  spell 
Of  indecision. 

Then  was  heard 

An  unimpassioned,  low-voiced  word 
From  Oxac — and  one  sped  and  brought 
A  gorgeous  mantle  richly  wrought, 
And  laid  it  in  the  chieftain's  hand, 
Who  with  a  gesture  of  command 
Approached  and  spake  : 

"  Since  to  defy 
The  royal  edict,  is  to  die — 
Accept  thy  doom,  O  hapless  child  ! 
This  wretch  ignoble,  and  defiled 
By  crime — if  thou  with  him  wilt  die — 
Shall  wear  a  robe  of  royalty, 
This  glittering  robe-befitting  thine, 
Lost  daughter  of  a  noble  line  ! 
Then — thou  hast  said  it — by  his  side, 
Zululu,  shall  thy  love  be  tried  !  " 

At  Oxac's  word,  away  they  tore 
His  garment,  shred,  and  stained  with  gore, 
All  heedless  of  the  quivering  flesh, 
And  ghastly  wound  from  which  afresh 
By  rough  hands  prompted,  trickled  down 
Bright  drops  upon  his  bosom  brown — 
When  lo  !  a  gorget B8  one  espied 
And  plucked  it.     Oxac,  eager-eyed, 
Observed  it  carefully,  and  then 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  Ill 

With  searching  eyes  the  slave — again 
The  coin  examined  !     O'er  and  o'er 
Close  scanned  the  curious  seal  it  bore — 
The  legend  sought  to  read  in  vain, 
So  dizzy  grew  old  Oxac's  brain  ! 
Then  to  the  slave  : 

"  Speak  !  by  whose  hand 
Was  this  bestowed  ? " 

"  At  thy  command 
I  answer,  else  my  lips  were  sealed, 
My  name  and  lineage  unrevealed. 
My  father,  good  King  Kayi,  placed 
That  sign  upon  my  breast  ;  disgraced, 
Condemned,  yet  am  I  Kayi's  son, 
Oribo." 

"  Gods  !  what  day  ill-starred 
Is  this  ?     What  dreadful  deeds  are  done 
To  be  repented  !  " 

Oxac  cried  ; 

And  thrusting  back  the  quaking  guard 
Sprang  quickly  to  the  victim's  side — 
Caught  cruel  Murzi's  gleaming  blade 
And  smote  his  fetters,  and  unmade 
The  captive. 

'T  was  a  gracious  deed 
To  fling  the  nuptial  robe  decreed 
For  Kaska,  o'er  the  astonished  youth. 
"  Ingemmed  with  innocence  and  truth, 
And  priceless  love — 't  is  thine,  O  son 
Of  Kayi  !  and  this  treasure  won 
From  Oxac — thine — with  all  her  charms  !  " 


112  ZULULU, 

He  said,  and  to  Oribo's  arms 
Released  for  rapturous  embrace, 
The  maiden  turned,  her  soulful  face 
Aglow  with  love — how  pure,  divine, 
Oribo  understood  ;  no  word 
Save  but  "  Zululu  !  "    "  Ever  thine  !  " 
The  happy  listening  angels  heard. 

Thence  Oxac  to  the  palace  led 

The  blissful  pair,  his  good  gray  head 

Uplifted  into  sunshine,  where, 

So  clear  the  light,  so  pure  the  air, 

No  cloud  his  soul  and  sky  between, 

He  felt  the  hand  of  Love  unseen 

Upon  his  brow,  that  bent  to  hear 

Soft  echoes  which  his  outer  ear 

Had  never  caught.     With  wondering  eyes 

Again  those  dark  old  prophecies 

He  read — dream,  sybil,  bird — all  held — 

Though  strangely,  slowly  syllabled 

By  years,  a  gracious  meaning  ;  bright 

It  burst  upon  his  raptured  sight. 

Bliss,  brooded  by  a  sombre  wing  ! 

Within  the  captive  was  the  king  ! 

And  when  anon,  with  proud  acclaim, 
Refreshed  and  rich  apparelled  came 
Oribo  from  the  royal  bath, 
The  sun-god's  smile  illumed  the  path 
Which  brought  him  to  the  nuptial  feast 
To  claim  his  bride.     There  sacred  priest 


THE  MAID   OF  ANAHUAC.  113 

With  unctuous  rite  and  solemn  lore, 
Sealed  him  the  chieftain's  son  !     Aye  more, 
His  blessing,  heritage  of  power 
Gave  Oxac  as  his  daughter's  dower. 

Some  seasons  more,  a  peaceful  few, 
And  Oxac  quietly  withdrew 
Into  his  summer  house  of  rest, 

From  whence  his  mighty  soul  uprose, 
Recalled  to  regions  of  the  blessed, 

Beyond  the  bound  of  earthly  woes, 
To  share  the  chariot  of  the  sun — 
The  grand  award  his  life  had  won. 

The  oracle  was  verified. 

As  slave,  Oribo  won  his  bride — 

As  king  he  led  her  to  a  throne 

His  queen,  where  long  her  beauty  shone 

Resplendent,  and  her  gentle  name 

To  peerless  virtues  linked,  became 

The  honored  theme  of  olden  song. 

Good  King  Oribo  well  and  long 

Ruled  Anahuac.     But  soft,  speak  low  ! 

Loud  praise  is  not  for  those  who  rest 
From  work  well  done  !     Enough  to  know 

In  stillest  chamber  sleep  is  best !     I 
And  theirs — ah,  well,  so  long  ago 
The  gods  received  them,  nought  can  break 
Their  slumber  till  His  word  "  Awake  " 
Bespeaks  the  morning. 

What  to  them 


114  ZULULU. 

The  sceptre  and  the  diadem, 

The  rise  and  fall  of  empires  ?  what 

The  countless  loves  of  countless  years 

Since  they  through  sorrows,  hopes,  and  fears 

Made  blissful  harbor  ? 

What  avails 

To  watch  the  waves,  or  count  the  sails, 
Or  list  the  surging  of  the  sea 
That  beats  eternal  shores  ? 

Each  bark 

Shall  drift  into  a  quiet  lee, 
And  calmly  anchor  in  the  dark. 

Although  in  some  brief  hour,  and  bright, 

A  distant  sail  we  dimly  sight 

And  speak  it — and  it  gives  no  heed — 

What  matter  ?  anchorage  is  sure  ! 
And  though  we  strain  our  eyes  to  read 

The  thought  of  time-dimmed  tablature, 
Or  ancient  record,  or  would  trace 
The  footprints  of  a  vanished  race 
Where  shadows  lie  which  will  not  lift, 
We  know  through  deepest  mould  and  drift, 
Time  holdeth  these,  and  more,  in  trust, 
Much  all  immortal  lives  in  dust. 


NOTES. 


1  A-na-wak',  meaning  "  near  the  water." 

2  Anahuac  is  an  extensive  plateau  situated  in  the  centre  of 
Mexico,  at  an  average  height  of  7,000  feet  above  the  level 
of  the  sea — raised  by  volcanic  force  between  the  two  oceans. 
— Lippincotfs  Pronouncing  Gazetteer  of  the  World. 

3  Ox'-ac. 

4  The  Mexicans  punished  with  severity  all  the  crimes  which 
are  particularly  repugnant  to  nature,  or  prejudicial  to  the  state. 

5  Wherever  nature,  in  the  perpetual  struggle  of  matter  to 
restore  an  equilibrium,  assumes  power  there  they  (primitive 
peoples)  are  sure  to  locate  a  god. 

6  Popocatepetl,    pronounced     P6-p6-ka-ta-petl',     meaning 
"  smoking  mountain." 

7  The  peaceful  and  semi-civilized  Toltecan-man  was  once 
the  proud  master  of  our  continent,  which  he  busily  dotted  with 
forts  and  mounds,  with  mighty  monuments  and  great  cities. — 
Schoolcraffs  Aboriginal  Kaces. 

8  Iztapec,  pronounced  Ez'-ta-pak. 

9  Pictography  was  employed  not  only  to  beautify  the  inner 
walls  of  temples  and  palaces,  but  also  to  record  historical 
events  and  religious  rites. 

115 


Il6  NOTES. 

10  Zululu,  pronounced  Zoo-loo-loo. 

1 1  In  old  paintings  a  female  figure  is  represented  with  hair 
flowing  in  long  tresses  and  adorned  with  jewels.     The  Toltecas 
were  fond  of  wearing  dresses  of  showy  colors,  and  excelled  in 
the  fabrications  of  cloth  and  hangings. — Kingsborough. 

12  Cholula,  pronounced  Cho-loo'-la. 

13  Nahuas,  pronounced  Na-hoo'-as. 

14  Quetzalcoatle,  "  Feathered  Serpent."     Date  of  his  first 
appearance  a  little  before  the  middle  of  the  ist  century. 

15  Quetzalcoatle,  pronounced  Ket-zal-cow-attle. 

16  Hue-Hue-Tlaplan,  pronounced  Hoo-a'  Hoo-a'  Tlap'-lan. 

17  Tamoanchan,  pronounced  Tam-o-an-shan'. 

18  Tulla  pronounced  Yool'-ya. 

19  Kayi,  pronounced  Ka'-ye. 

20  Xibalba,  pronounced  He-bal-ba. 

21  Zinco,  pronounced  Zeen'-co. 

22  The  Mexicans  taught  their  children,  together  with  the 
arts,  religion,  modesty,  honesty,  sobriety,  labor,  love  of  truth 
and  respect  to  superiors. 

23  Bacca,  pronounced  Bac-ca. 

24  Kaska,  pronounced  Kaz-ka. 

25  Votan,  pronounced  Vo'-tan,  founder  of  the  Maya  culture. 
One  of  the  great  works  of  this  hero  was  the  excavation  of  a 
tunnel,  "Snake-hole,"  from  Zuqui  to  Tzequil. 

26  Usumasintas,  pronounced  Oo-soo-ma-seen-tas. 

27  Nachan,  pronounced  Na-shan,  city  of  serpents. 

28  Maya,  pronounced  Ma-ya. 
•     29  Kayi,  pronounced  Ka'-ye. 

30  Chan,  pronounced  Shan,  serpent. 

31  Katun,  pronounced  Ka-toon,    cycle  of  fifty-two  years. 


NOTES.  117 

The  Katun  year  consisted  of  twenty-eight  weeks  of  thirteen 
days  each,  and  one  additional  day. 

32  Tetan,  pronounced  Ya-ta'n'. 

33  Oribo  pronounced  O-ree-bo. 

34  The  rabbit  was  considered  as  a  type  of  innocence. 

35  The  murder  of  Chaac   Mai,    a  powerful  sovereign   of 
Chicken-Itza,  by  his  brother  Aac,  is  still  told  in  stone.     The 
funeral   chamber,  the  mural  paintings,  the  statues,  and  the 
monument  of  the  murdered  king,  are  found  by  the  explorer. 
In  the  funeral  chamber  the  terrible  altercation  between  Aac 
and  Chaac  Mai  is  represented  by  large  figures  three  fourths 
life-size. — Dr.  Le  Plengeon. 

36  A  tablet  from  the  ruins  at  Palenque  represents  a  beautiful 
youth  arrayed  in  an  elaborate  military  dress  and  plumed  crest 
of  magnificent  character.     He  wears  what  appears  to  be  a 
cuirass  about  his  shoulders  and  chest. 

37  Among  the  ruins  at  Palenqua  are  those  of  a  palace  228 
feet  by  182,  and  about  30  feet  in  height.     In  the  outer  wall 
are  forty  doorways.     The  double  cornices  are  highly  artistic. 
This  palace  had  double  corridors.     It  is  presumed  that  nearly 
all  of  the  piers  separating  the  doorways  in  the  eastern  wall  of 
the  palace  were  ornamented  with  stucco  bas-reliefs.     On  the 
wall  of  its  inner  apartment  is  said   to  have  been  the  most 
beautiful  specimen  of  stucco  relief  in  America.     M.  Waldec 
declares  it  worthy  to  be  compared  to  the  most  beautiful  work 
of  the  Augustan  age. 

38  They  had  in  every  city  or  village   a  public   place  or 
square  appropriated  for  the  traffic  of  everything  which  could 
supply  the  necessities  and  pleasures  of  life.     Even  merchan- 
dise had  its  particular  place. 


Il8  NOTES. 

39  The  ancient  Mexicans  had  a  superstition  that  in  the  last 
night  of  the  fifty-second  year  of  their  cycle  the  sun  would 
destroy  the  world. — John  Short. 

Their  ancestors  had  from  time  immemorial  admonished  them 
that  such  years  as  succeeded  each  other  after  every  interval  of 
fifty-two  years  would  be  dangerous,  unlucky,  calamitous,  on 
account  of  the  universal  deluge  having  taken  place  in  such  a 
year,  and  likewise  darkness  caused  by  an  eclipse  of  the  sun, 
and  earthquakes  everywhere. — Kingsborough. 

40  Great  attention  was  paid   to  the  flight  of  birds.     The 
carnivora,  or  battle-birds,  were  thought  to  be  prescient  of  the 
times  and  places  of  conflict,  and  their  gathering  to  fatten  upon 
the  dead  on  the  battle-field  was  regarded  with  forebodings. 

41  Quizquo,  pronounced  Queez'-ko. 

42  The  ancient  Mexicans  paid  a  superstitious  reverence  to 
the  summits  of  high  mountains  which  were  perpetually  covered 
with  mists  and  dark  clouds,  believing  them  to  be  the  abodes  of 
their  mountain  gods. 

43  The  pointed  mace  or  head-breaker  was  a  most  formidable 
weapon. 

44  The  great  struggle  was  often  at  the  gates  in  a  desperate 
hand-to-hand  encounter. 

45  Tobacco  was  smoked  by  the  ancient  tribes.    Their  pipes, 
elaborately  carved,  differed   from   those  of  to-day  chiefly  by 
having  no  stems. 

46  The  men  were  very  expert  in  the  cutting  and  setting  of 
precious  stones. 

47  Manabaho,    pronounced  Man-a-baz-ho',  excelled  in  his 
superhuman  and  god-like  feats.     He  killed  the  mammoth  ser- 
pent and  bear-king. 


NOTES.  119 

48  Papukewis,  pronounced  Pap-oo-kvvees,  could  turn  pirou- 
ettes until  he  raised  a  whirlwind. 

49  Kwasind    pronounced  Kwa-seend,    could   twist  off  the 
strongest  rope.     These  things  were  related  to  stimulate  the 
physical  powers  of  the  young. 

«  50  They  were  accustomed  to  decorate  the  inner  walls  of 
their  temples  with  vermilion-red  ochre.  Flowers,  fruits, 
heroes,  gods,  always  the  Feathered  Serpent,  were  painted  or 
sculptured  on  the  walls. 

51  Hurling  stones  was  done  with  great  skill  and  precision. 

52  Murzi,  pronounced  Moor'-zee. 

53  The  ancient  gorget  or  medal,   bestowed  as  a  mark  of 
distinction,  was  highly  prized  by  the  possessor. 


THE   END. 


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